https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/agri-finance/grants grants https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/4346/village-capital-launches-innovative-capital-facility-for-early-stage-companies-in-northwest-arkansas.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/4346/village-capital-launches-innovative-capital-facility-for-early-stage-companies-in-northwest-arkansas.html Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:55:34 +0530 Village Capital has announced the launch of the VilCap Innovative Capital Facility NWA, an investment facility supported by the Walton Family Foundation. The Facility will invest in early-stage, scalable companies across Northwest Arkansas using financing structures aligned with their unique stage of growth. Many early-stage companies struggle to access capital because they do not fit neatly into traditional financing models. They may be too early for bank financing, need more support than grants or personal networks can offer, or find that venture capital isn't a fit — either because they don't meet the growth profile it requires, or because they don't want to give up the ownership and control it entails. The VilCap Innovative Capital Facility NWA is designed to fill this gap by matching financing to each company’s stage, business model, and growth trajectory. Through the Facility, Village Capital will make approximately five investments using revenue-based financing, including redeemable equity and revenue-based loans, which tie repayments to company performance rather than fixed repayment schedules. This approach gives founders greater flexibility while allowing businesses to grow sustainably. “Northwest Arkansas is home to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, with founders building solutions across supply chain, food systems, health, and beyond,” said Heather Matranga, Managing Director, Venture & Investments, at Village Capital. “This Facility is designed to align capital with business needs, helping founders build stronger companies while creating lasting value for their communities.” Village Capital is committed to partnering with local organizations that are deeply embedded in Northwest Arkansas to bring market expertise into the investment process, identify strong investment opportunities, and build awareness around revenue-based financing instruments. The Facility will also generate research on the region’s financing landscape to help attract additional flexible capital over time. Early-stage, growing companies in NWA are encouraged to apply. The Facility is offering up to $ 150K to businesses with at least $ 100K in annual revenue. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/4243/adb-extends-10-mn-social-loan-to-premium-nexus-to-modernise-mongolias-food-distribution-network.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/4243/adb-extends-10-mn-social-loan-to-premium-nexus-to-modernise-mongolias-food-distribution-network.html Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:19:36 +0530 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $10 million social loan with Premium Nexus JSC, Mongolia's largest convenience store operator, to strengthen the country's food distribution ecosystem through expanded retail infrastructure, enhanced cold chain logistics and greater access to affordable food and essential goods. The investment underscores ADB's growing focus on building resilient, inclusive and efficient food systems across emerging Asian economies. The financing will support the expansion of Premium Nexus' retail and logistics operations, enabling the company to improve supply chain efficiency while addressing longstanding gaps in food accessibility, particularly in underserved rural regions beyond the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. At the core of the project is the development of a modern cold chain distribution centre alongside the establishment of 240 new CU convenience stores across urban and rural Mongolia. The expansion is expected to strengthen product availability, reduce supply chain bottlenecks and improve the distribution of fresh food and essential consumer goods throughout the country. According to Chandra Mohan Arora, Country Operations Head for Mongolia at ADB, unequal access to safe and affordable food continues to pose challenges for many communities, particularly outside major urban centres. He noted that strengthening logistics infrastructure and modern retail networks would improve the consistency and reach of food distribution while simultaneously creating new economic opportunities, especially for women entrepreneurs. Mongolia's retail sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by urbanisation, changing consumer preferences and increasing demand for modern retail formats. However, fragmented supply chains, inadequate logistics infrastructure and inconsistent food distribution continue to constrain market efficiency and limit access to quality products across large parts of the country. The project seeks to address these structural challenges by integrating retail expansion with supply chain modernisation. Beyond improving food availability, the investment is expected to generate approximately 900 new jobs, with a strong emphasis on creating employment opportunities for women and workers in rural communities. The initiative also places significant focus on advancing women's economic participation. Premium Nexus plans to expand franchise opportunities for women entrepreneurs, improve access to financing and increase the visibility of products manufactured by women-owned businesses across its retail network. In addition, the number of local suppliers supporting the company's operations is expected to increase from 420 to 453, strengthening domestic value chains and supporting local enterprise development. Chinzorig Ganbold, Chief Executive Officer of Premium Nexus, described the partnership as an investment that extends beyond commercial expansion, positioning it as a catalyst for strengthening Mongolia's food security, supply chain resilience and inclusive economic development. He added that the social loan designation reflects the company's commitment to generating measurable social impact for consumers, businesses and communities across the country. The financing has been independently verified as a social loan by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) under internationally recognised Social Loan Principles, with proceeds dedicated to employment generation, improved access to essential services and broader socioeconomic empowerment. The transaction is also expected to encourage wider adoption of thematic and impact-focused financing within Mongolia's financial sector. Established in 2017, Premium Nexus operates Mongolia's CU convenience store network under an exclusive franchise agreement with South Korea's BGF Retail Company Limited. As of March 2026, the company manages 557 stores nationwide and employs more than 5,200 people, making it the country's second-largest private sector employer. The investment reflects ADB's broader strategy of supporting sustainable food systems through infrastructure development, private sector partnerships and inclusive financing. As Mongolia continues to modernise its retail landscape amid rising consumer demand and urban growth, investments in logistics, cold chain infrastructure and organised retail are expected to play an increasingly important role in strengthening food security, reducing post-harvest losses and improving market access for producers and consumers alike. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3694/european-commission-has-approved-e3-7-billion-czech-state-aid-scheme-for-sustainable-biomethane-production.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3694/european-commission-has-approved-e3-7-billion-czech-state-aid-scheme-for-sustainable-biomethane-production.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:41:01 +0530 Transition towards a net-zero economy The European Commission has approved a €3.7 billion Czech scheme to support the construction of biomethane production stations in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025. The Czech measure Czechia notified to the Commission a €3.7 billion scheme to support the production of sustainable biomethane, to be used in transport, heating and industry. The scheme will run until 31 December 2030. The scheme will support new capacity in both newly-built biomethane stations and existing biogas stations that are converted into biomethane stations. The scheme will be open to biomethane producers holding a gas production licence in the Czechia. To qualify for aid under the scheme, biomethane production must comply with the requirements set out in the EU Renewable Energy Directive. The measure is expected to benefit mostly small and medium-sized farms. The aid will take the form of a direct price support scheme, with a two-way contract for difference that provides a bonus for each MWh of biomethane produced for a duration of 15 years, based on a so-called strike price. If market prices of natural gas are lower than the strike price, the State will pay the producers. If they are higher, the companies will pay back the difference. The beneficiaries will be selected through a competitive tendering procedure. The scheme is expected to support installations with a total output of 350 million standard cubic meters of sustainable biomethane, which contributes to the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU ('TFEU'), which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as under the CISAF. The Commission found that the Czech scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the CISAF. In particular, the aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated volume and budget, and the aid will be provided as direct price support through a two-way contract for difference, which will be awarded via a competitive bidding process. The Commission concluded that the Czech scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero economy and facilitate the development of certain economic activities, which are of importance for the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal. On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules. Background On 25 June 2025, the Commission adopted the CISAF to foster support measures in sectors which are key for the transition to a net-zero economy, in line with the Clean Industrial Deal. The CISAF allows the following types of aid to accelerate the green transition: Measures accelerating the rollout of renewable energy and low-carbon fuels (sections 4.1 and 4.2). Member States can set up schemes for investments in all renewable energy sources as well as energy storage, with simplified tender procedures. Specific rules are also provided to accelerate the roll-out of low-carbon fuels. Measures allowing temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive users to ensure the transition to low-cost clean electricity (section 4.5). Such measures will help to avoid industrial activities relocating to locations where environmental regulations are absent or less ambitious, before the decarbonisation of the EU's electricity system fully translates into lower electricity prices. Measures facilitating the decarbonisation of industrial processes (section 5). Member States can support investments in the decarbonisation of industrial activities to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels. This can happen through electrification, energy efficiency and the switch to the use of renewable and electricity-based hydrogen which complies with certain conditions, with expanded possibilities to support the decarbonisation of industrial processes switching to hydrogen-derived fuels. Measures to ensure sufficient clean technology manufacturing capacity (section 6). Member States can grant investment support for strategic projects in line with the Net Zero Industry Act (such as batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat-pumps, electrolysers, and carbon capture usage and storage). This also includes the production of key components and the production and recycling of related critical raw materials. Measures to de-risk private investments required for the roll-out of clean energy, industrial decarbonisation, clean tech manufacturing, certain energy infrastructure projects, and projects supporting the circular economy  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3679/ifc-and-boad-strengthen-partnership-to-support-energy-agriculture-and-natural-resources-development-in-the-waemu.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3679/ifc-and-boad-strengthen-partnership-to-support-energy-agriculture-and-natural-resources-development-in-the-waemu.html Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:15:18 +0530 Energy, agriculture, natural resources, and innovative financing at the heart of a high-level strategic dialogue between West African Development Bank (BOAD) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) partnership The West African Development Bank (BOAD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, held a high-level working session at BOAD’s headquarters in Lomé to further strengthen their partnership in support of transformative projects driving growth and job creation. Under the leadership of Serge Ekué, President of BOAD, and Ethiopis Tafara, IFC Vice President for Africa, this meeting brought together the regional and sectoral management teams of both institutions around an ambitious agenda aimed at strengthening their cooperation in key sectors for regional development: energy, agriculture, natural resources, and innovative financing instruments. For several years, BOAD and the IFC have maintained a strong partnership, evidenced by high-impact co-financing operations supporting private sector development across the subregion. This collaboration aligns with both institutions’ strategies to address key challenges facing the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), including improving access to energy, ensuring sustainable natural resource management, and advancing agricultural transformation. The meeting marks a new milestone in strengthening this collaboration and paves the way for enhanced initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development. Structured discussions around four priority areas Agriculture and food security: The two institutions explored collaboration opportunities under the World Bank Group’s Global AgriConnect (GAP) initiative, as well as the feasibility of issuing WAEMU sustainable bonds backed by the cashew value chain—an innovative instrument for the region. Energy and natural resources: Discussions focused on co-financing opportunities in renewable energy and gas projects, as well as sustainable water resource management. Innovative financing: Teams assessed the feasibility of a cross-currency XOF–EUR financing mechanism, a novel initiative designed to expand the financing capacity of both institutions in the sub-region. Affordable housing: Opportunities to support affordable housing financing for populations across WAEMU member countries were also explored. Towards a concrete action plan Following the meeting, the two institutions agreed on a concrete action plan outlining priority co-financing projects, the terms of BOAD’s participation in the GAP initiative, and a roadmap for developing envisaged innovative financial instruments. This strategic dialogue reflects the shared vision of BOAD and IFC to further contribute to reducing poverty, creating jobs, and improving living conditions across WAEMU. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3658/australia-pledges-7-94-m-to-boost-drought-resilience-for-nsw-winegrape-apple-and-cherry-sector.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3658/australia-pledges-7-94-m-to-boost-drought-resilience-for-nsw-winegrape-apple-and-cherry-sector.html Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:47:59 +0530 The five-year project supports R&D to strengthen the winegrape, apple, and cherry sectors by integrating these insights into daily orchard and vineyard operations. The Australia's Future Drought Fund is supporting the NSW Government, in partnership with program lead Charles Sturt University, to launch a major new research initiative aimed at helping winegrape, apple, and cherry producers strengthen their resilience to drought. This initiative is part of a plan to leverage the best researchers to bolster the winegrape, apple, and cherry sectors in the face of changing climate conditions. Strong industry engagement and knowledge-sharing will be critical to the project’s success. The goal is to ensure research findings translate into tangible benefits for growers, enabling them to apply these insights in day-to-day orchard and vineyard practices. This five-year project will develop and test new agronomic management practices to improve orchard and vineyard drought resilience through the following activities: Long-term trial sites at a Batlow commercial apple orchard and a Gulgong cherry orchard. Additional demonstration sites across the Central West, southern NSW, and Tasmania to include diverse horticultural production systems in winegrape, apple, and cherry sectors. Sites will test a combination of researcher-designed and grower-suggested treatments to evaluate how different practices influence drought tolerance and productivity over time. Growers from each region will contribute to the trial’s design, treatment selection, refinement, and on-ground implementation this autumn and winter. Six NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development research staff will collaborate with Charles Sturt University and University of Tasmania researchers. Long-term trials will capture the seasonal cycle of perennial crops, providing growers with detailed insights into how different management approaches perform under real-world conditions. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will work with host growers to identify a toolkit of management strategies, including soil amendments, deficit irrigation, and modern technologies like soil moisture probes, to improve orchard resilience to extreme weather events. Research findings will be made accessible to farmers through workshops, factsheets, orchard walks, and the ‘Best Practice Drought Management’ training manual. The project has received $7.94 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund under the Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Program, round 2. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said: “Drought is always a case of when, not if. This is why we’re working with the NSW Government, Charles Sturt University, and other partners to understand the risks, priorities, and actions needed to boost resilience to future drought. We heard loud and clear from the farming industry at last year’s National Drought Forum about the importance of building long-term resilience to drought, which is what this project will deliver. The Long-term Trials Program is a great example of how collaboration between government, industry, and research leaders, through co-design with farmers, can deliver real solutions and tangible benefits to regional communities. I encourage farmers to get involved where possible in this project and see if they can take advantage of this valuable opportunity.” NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty explained “The Minns Government is working to develop and sustain our horticultural sector and to assist farmers facing increased climate variability. This project is designed to deliver practical and evidence-based solutions. We are currently addressing the impacts of drought, and this project demonstrates we are working for the future. This will give growers future access to a toolkit of proven management options that can help safeguard their productivity and profitability during tough seasons. This investment, made through the Future Drought Fund, will support the development of drought-resilient practices that can be applied directly on farm, ensuring growers are better prepared for the challenges ahead.” Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said, “We are seeing increased frequencies of drought, and we need to develop solutions which enable farmers and industry to do more with less water. This project is about improving the ability of horticulturalists to make better use of limited rainfall, developing smarter agricultural technologies, and building cross-industry collaborations. It is important work which is a national priority to secure the future of our food supply. Charles Sturt University’s research is born in the regions, but its impact reaches across the nation. With support from valued partners like the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Charles Sturt University will continue converting regional challenges into world-class breakthroughs that strengthen our economy, our communities, and our environment.” NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Director for Horticulture Dr Alison Anderson said, “By drawing on the research and industry expertise at both the Orange and Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institutes and partnering with researchers at Charles Sturt University and University of Tasmania, we’re able to test farming management strategies that strengthen drought resilience across temperate horticultural and viticultural systems. This combined research effort ensures growers receive practical, scientifically validated options that work in real orchard and vineyard conditions. Integrating that knowledge into long-term commercial trials will allow us to identify the most reliable, cost-effective drought-management tools so growers can make confident decisions in increasingly variable seasons. This comprehensive initiative underscores the commitment of government, research institutions, and industry to equip growers with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate future climate challenges effectively." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3617/singapore-boosts-food-resilience-with-s70-million-investment-over-five-years.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3617/singapore-boosts-food-resilience-with-s70-million-investment-over-five-years.html Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:04:08 +0530 New measures include an expanded national breeding programme and fresh hatchery support for the aquaculture sector Singapore is committing S$70 million (US$55 million) over the next five years to support local farms in expanding production and enhancing capabilities, as part of efforts to strengthen food security amid increasing global uncertainties. New Phase of Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund Announced  The funding, unveiled by Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Zaqy Mohamad, is an extension of the Agri-Food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund, now rebranded as ACT Fund 2. Since its launch in April 2021, the ACT Fund has assisted farmers in upgrading operations through technology adoption and equipment purchases. This renewed initiative underscores Singapore's focus on food resilience as outlined in the Singapore Food Story 2 strategy, which emphasizes four key pillars: diversifying imports, growing local production, stockpiling, and forming global partnerships. Addressing Heavy Reliance on Imports  With over 90% of its food imported, Singapore is highly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions caused by climate change, disease outbreaks, and geopolitical tensions. Strengthening local food production is therefore a critical priority. While the 30 by 30 initiative successfully boosted local production, its single-pillar focus on local farming left the country exposed to external disruptions. Mr. Zaqy emphasized that a multi-faceted approach is essential for true food supply resilience, even as growing local produce remains a vital component of the strategy. Enhanced Support for Local Farms ACT Fund 2, managed by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), will provide co-funding to help farms adopt advanced technologies, improve productivity, and build climate resilience. This initiative is Singapore’s largest-ever industry support scheme for local agriculture. The first ACT Fund tranche, launched in 2021, supported 150 projects across 60 companies, with a low 3% failure rate. Based on industry feedback, the scheme now includes coverage for marketing, branding, and standalone pre- and post-harvest facilities. A new component, the Industry Partnerships for Capability Transformation Grant, will foster collaborations to address shared challenges like limited economies of scale and supply chain inefficiencies. Focus on Aquaculture and Technology  SFA is also intensifying support for aquaculture through demonstration projects that test overseas farming technologies in Singapore’s tropical marine environment. Successful solutions will be integrated into ACT Fund 2. The national breeding program will expand to include red snappers, while partnerships with overseas breeders will ensure a steady supply of reliable larvae and fingerlings for local farms. Driving Demand for Local Produce  To ensure the commercial success of local farms, SFA is working to increase demand for their products. The Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation (SAFEF) will broaden its offerings under brands like SG Farmers' Market to include more vegetable varieties and processed goods such as sauces and canned items. Additionally, new ready-to-eat marine tilapia products under The Straits Fish brand will be introduced in collaboration with TheSeafoodCompany. Partnerships with food and beverage businesses will also promote SG Farmers' Market products on menus. Growing the Farm-to-Table Movement  The Farm-to-Table Recognition Programme, which acknowledges food operators sourcing at least 15% of their produce locally, has seen significant growth. As of December 2025, 119 food businesses have joined the initiative, further supporting the commercial viability of local farms. This multi-pronged approach reflects Singapore’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable food ecosystem. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3605/philippines-to-boost-palm-oil-sector-across-plantation-expansion-productivity-to-scale-yield.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3605/philippines-to-boost-palm-oil-sector-across-plantation-expansion-productivity-to-scale-yield.html Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:12:19 +0530 Aims to invest P1.2 billion to reinforce bankroll fertilizer assistance, accelerate area expansion, and boost farm productivity The Department of Agriculture DA is sharpening its focus on oil palm, confident that expanded plantations in Mindanao can curb imports, raise farm incomes, and strengthen the country’s edible oil supply. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. signaled plans to significantly increase funding for the fledgling sector in 2027 after this year’s proposed P1 billion allocation was slashed to just P79 million. The Department of Agriculture is now eyeing a P1.2 billion budget next year to bankroll fertilizer assistance, accelerate area expansion, and boost farm productivity, underscoring a renewed push to scale up the industry. “Let’s invest where farmers earn,” Tiu Laurel said during a strategy meeting, framing palm oil development as part of a broader push to align public spending with profitability data. Oil palm yields average about 3.8 metric tons per hectare, compared with less than one metric ton per hectare for coconut. As a result, palm oil farmers earn at least double the roughly P90,000 that coconut farmers earn annually. Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Dexter Buted said the agency is laying the groundwork to develop the industry by cultivating planting materials locally. “The PCA is planning to establish oil palm nurseries in selected areas in the Caraga region through the importation of germinated seeds under government-to-government arrangements,” Buted said, adding that the move is expected to significantly reduce the cost of imported planting materials. Oil palm currently covers about 100,000 hectares nationwide, most of them in Mindanao. Despite rising local output, the Philippines continues to import substantial volumes of palm oil, leaving a supply gap that the DA aims to narrow. Mindanao remains central to the strategy. The department is considering the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato, as a base for reviving and scaling up a government-backed nursery, with high-quality, disease-free planting materials to be sourced from Malaysia. Still, Tiu Laurel acknowledged gaps in sector data. “We need to fix the data to optimize our investment in this crop,” he said. There are 11 palm oil mills and five refineries nationwide, including a modern P600 million facility in Sultan Kudarat backed by the Land Bank of the Philippines and the DA. With cooking oil demand rising and imports weighing on the trade balance, the DA’s message is clear. Palm oil is poised for expansion ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3600/australia-boosts-support-for-agricultural-innovation-at-evokeag-2026-with-450000-commitment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3600/australia-boosts-support-for-agricultural-innovation-at-evokeag-2026-with-450000-commitment.html Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:53:39 +0530 To foster collaboration and sustainability in agrifood technology The Australian government reaffirmed its dedication to advancing agricultural innovation with a $450,000 funding boost for AgriFutures’ evokeAG, a leading agrifood technology and innovation event. This investment, announced as part of the $23.8 million Showcasing Australian Agriculture – Regional Trade Events program, supported the event over the next three years evokeAG, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, drew approximately 2,000 participants. These included farmers, producers, startups, researchers, policymakers, investors, and business leaders. The event was a hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing, aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges in the agricultural sector This year’s edition focused on three key themes: information and future technology, environment and sustainability, and system and policy. Attendees explored how these areas intersect and shape the future of agriculture. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and develop solutions that enhanced productivity, resilience, and global competitiveness in the agrifood industry Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a modern and innovative agrifood system. “Australian farmers and producers are already world-class innovators, and events like evokeAG provided an opportunity to share ideas, build connections, and create new opportunities,” she said. “We were proud to back evokeAG, which helped forge stronger links between research and industry while showcasing the benefits of innovation for farmers and producers.” AgriFutures Australia, one of the 15 rural research and development corporations in the country, played a pivotal role in supporting the research, development, and extension needs of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries, and forestry industries. Mick Veitch, welcomed the government’s support, stating, “This additional funding will expand the reach of evokeAG, support the growth of emerging and established industries, and strengthen the partnerships needed to translate research into practical on-farm outcomes.” The event was not only a showcase of cutting-edge agrifood technology but also a catalyst for accelerating the adoption of new ideas and technologies. By bringing together the brightest minds across agriculture, research, and industry, evokeAG drove innovation and ensured the agricultural sector remained resilient and globally competitive The government's ongoing support for evokeAG reflected its broader strategy to position Australia as a leader in agricultural innovation. This year's event built on the success of previous iterations, which had already demonstrated the value of connecting diverse stakeholders to address shared challenges. With its focus on sustainability, technology, and policy, evokeAG 2026 was a critical platform for shaping the future of agriculture in Australia and beyond. The funding boost ensured the event could continue to provide a space for collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions that benefited the entire agricultural ecosystem. Through events like evokeAG, Australia reinforced its position as a global leader in agricultural innovation, equipping its farmers and producers with the tools and networks needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3548/australia-revives-south-australian-wine-industry-with-3-1-million-grants.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3548/australia-revives-south-australian-wine-industry-with-3-1-million-grants.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:26:11 +0530 Program to bolster recovery, sustainability, and market growth for grape growers and wine producers till 2027 Australia has announced the extension of the SA Wine Recovery Program to 2027, backed by $3.1 million in federal funding, to support South Australia’s wine industry in recovering from recent adverse events and market disruptions. The program includes a third round of the Resting Vineyard Rebate, enabling growers to temporarily rest parts of their vineyards to reduce costs and assess future viability. Existing program streams will also continue, focusing on improving vineyard waste management, boosting domestic market demand, and enhancing regional grape and wine capabilities. This includes addressing the safe disposal of Copper Chrome Arsenate-treated posts and extending support for sustainability credentials, which have already assisted 75 wine businesses across the state. With Australian domestic consumers representing the largest market for grape growers and wine makers, the extended program will feature a 12-month campaign to raise the profile of South Australia’s wines. The region produces 80% of Australia’s premium wine and 50% of all bottled wine, exporting over 397 million litres overseas in 2024-25, valued at $1.8 billion. The initiative stems from recommendations by the Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group, with input from industry bodies such as the South Australian Wine Industry Association and Wine Grape Council of South Australia. It is part of broader efforts by Australia to support the wine sector, including a $4.6 million Grape and Wine Sector Long-term Viability Support Package and $30 million for the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program, which has already provided $3.8 million to 76 South Australian businesses. These measures aim to help grape growers and wine producers recover from challenging conditions while strengthening the industry’s long-term productivity and sustainability. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3543/gist-and-fao-to-cooperate-on-climate-change-food-security-and-agri-food-sectors.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3543/gist-and-fao-to-cooperate-on-climate-change-food-security-and-agri-food-sectors.html Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:39:42 +0530 Strategic partnership to leverage GIST's advanced education and research capabilities in environmental, life sciences, and artificial intelligence (AI) fields to support FAO's global food and agriculture agenda Korea's Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) announced on January 20 that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to initiate full-scale cooperation in the areas of food security and sustainable agri-food systems, which are facing increasing uncertainty due to climate change. This collaboration is being pursued as part of a strategic partnership to leverage GIST's advanced education and research capabilities in environmental, life sciences, and artificial intelligence (AI) fields to support FAO's global food and agriculture agenda through science and technology, strengthen the domestic agri-food ecosystem, and make practical contributions to the international community. The signing ceremony was attended by GIST President Lim Gicheol, Vice President for External Affairs Jung Yonghwa, Dean of the Graduate School of Technology Management Kim Sangho, and other key GIST officials, as well as Tang Shengyao, Head of the FAO Korea Partnership Office, Deputy Head Lee Nara, and other representatives from both organizations. GIST and FAO agreed to jointly generate innovative research outcomes by linking Korea's advanced technologies with policy needs in the food and agriculture sectors, and to develop these outcomes into collaborative models that can be applied to international policies and on-site practices. With this agreement, GIST plans to establish a collaborative network connecting domestic universities, national research institutes, farms, and companies in the Honam region, and to begin developing Korean-style agri-food solutions. In particular, GIST will use the Honam region as a field demonstration hub (testbed), conduct pilot projects there, and then expand the results to the international community (FAO member countries). The institute also aims to strengthen its AI-based climate and agri-food technology capabilities to contribute to FAO's global goals. This LOI signing is the result of ongoing exchanges and discussions between the two organizations. In April last year, GIST invited Tang Shengyao, Head of the FAO Korea Partnership Office, to give a special lecture on "AI-Based Resilient Food and Agriculture Systems." In September, GIST hosted a session on "Digital Technology and Sustainable Livestock Management Innovation" at the FAO-organized Interregional Digital Agriculture Solution Forum (IDASF), confirming the potential for further collaboration. Following the LOI signing ceremony, a "GIST-FAO Joint Workshop" was held to discuss concrete cooperation measures for applying advanced technologies to climate change, food security, and sustainable food systems. The workshop consisted of special lectures, research and technology sessions, and panel discussions. During the special lecture session, strategies and technological applications for structural transformation in the climate and agri-food sectors were presented. ▲ Professor Kim Kibae of GIST's Graduate School of AI Policy and Strategy proposed a "grand architecture" for GIST-FAO cooperation in response to climate change. ▲ Ahn Changwon, Digital Convergence Program Manager at the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation, presented ways to utilize AI-based digital twins to address uncertainties in climate change and the food and agriculture sectors. In the research and technology session, GIST researchers presented a range of achievements combining AI with environmental and agri-food technologies. ▲ Professor Kim Eunseok (Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering) introduced the principles of plant-microbe interactions. ▲ Professor Kim Hyungrok (Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering) proposed ways to address water resource uncertainty caused by climate change through water resource distribution detection technology using satellite image analysis. GIST President Lim Gicheol stated, "This marks the starting point for international cooperation in sharing our advanced technological capabilities with the global community in an era of unprecedented climate change, aging, and population decline," adding, "GIST will fulfill its responsible role as a national science and technology institution in addressing the agri-food crisis faced by the international community." Tang Shengyao, Head of the FAO Korea Partnership Office, emphasized, "The combination of GIST's scientific and technological capabilities with FAO's global agenda will make significant contributions to global food production, nutrition supply, environmental improvement, and quality of life." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3441/australia-invests-10-million-to-strengthen-wine-and-cider-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3441/australia-invests-10-million-to-strengthen-wine-and-cider-industry.html Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:37:50 +0530 Funding supports winemaking, grape growing, cellar door growth, and tourism boosting a $51.3 billion to the economy Australia has committed $10 million to bolster its world-class wine and cider industry through the latest round of the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program. This funding will support 204 recipients across the country, from Tasmania to the Margaret River, enabling businesses to improve operations and draw more visitors to Australia’s renowned wine regions. Now in its seventh round, the program underscores the government’s recognition of the wine industry’s critical role in the national economy. Since its inception, the initiative has encouraged tourism by funding improvements to cellar doors, enabling producers to diversify their offerings, hire additional staff, and create more engaging experiences for visitors. This funding is part of a broader $30 million commitment announced earlier this year to sustain the program for three more years. The first of these new $10 million rounds is being rolled out, signaling ongoing support for an industry that contributes $51.3 billion to the economy and supports over 200,000 jobs in winemaking, grape growing, and tourism. According to a recent report by Wine Australia, the sector’s economic significance is vast, with over 7 million tourists—both domestic and international—visiting wineries across the country last year. These visits not only showcase Australia’s premium wine regions but also contribute significantly to local economies. The government’s investment reflects its broader strategy to bolster the grape and wine sector, with over $80 million in funding provided in the past year. Government encouraged Australians to explore local wineries and cellar doors, taking advantage of the beautiful weather to support this vital industry. The Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program has already demonstrated its impact, with previous recipients using the funds to improve premises, expand product ranges, and create unique visitor experiences. This latest round of funding is expected to build on that success, ensuring Australia’s wine and cider industry continues to thrive and attract visitors from around the world. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3415/australias-grains-research-and-development-corporation-grdc-partners-with-university-of-queensland-uq-to-develop-higher-yielding-resilient-sorghum.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3415/australias-grains-research-and-development-corporation-grdc-partners-with-university-of-queensland-uq-to-develop-higher-yielding-resilient-sorghum.html Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:59:25 +0530 Sorghum Strategic Alliance receives initial $13 million outlay and significant co-investment from UQ Australian Sorghum growers are set to gain from a new partnership between the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and The University of Queensland (UQ). The collaboration aims to develop higher-yielding, more resilient, and better-quality varieties of this key summer crop. The 7-year Sorghum Strategic Alliance – announced on 11 November at the TropAg Conference in Brisbane – represents GRDC’s largest collaborative commitment to sorghum research to date, with an initial $13 million outlay and significant co-investment from UQ. The Alliance includes research in four foundational areas, with both investment dollars and project numbers expected to grow through its 7-year duration. GRDC General Manager Applied Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) Craig Baillie said the investment underscored the organisation’s commitment to investing in research, development and extension (RD&E) that was grower-led and destined to deliver genuine gains on-farm. “Sorghum is a key summer crop for Australian grain growers across Queensland and northern New South Wales. This alliance with UQ is a strategic step forward that aims to deliver varieties with higher yields, improved resilience to climate challenges and greater marketability. Another project under the alliance will support growers to improve input use efficiency, lift soil health and deliver more resilient, productive and profitable sorghum within their farming systems” Mr Baillie said. Ultimately, this substantial investment aims to sustainably increase and expand sorghum production ensuring Australian growers can meet future market and environmental challenges. The projects will leverage UQ’s leading expertise in genetics, predictive breeding and gene editing to develop the next generation of sorghum genotypes. The focus is on improving resilience, productivity and quality - targeting traits such as heat, drought and cold tolerance, protein content and quality, biomass production and digestibility. GRDC have some of the world’s most outstanding quantitative plant breeders and the Sorghum Strategic Alliance will allow us to bring on some early or mid-career researchers in crop genomics, agronomy and farming systems to further strengthen our international standing in plant breeding. The alliance will include research into 4 initial foundational areas with scope to increase both the focus areas and investment level where there is a clear return-on-investment for growers. The foundational areas include: Boosting yield potential through advanced genetics and breeding. Optimising grain filling duration to deliver larger, more consistent sorghum grain in variable climates. Developing larger grain with increased and more digestible protein. Improving sorghum yields through targeted agronomic research. This alliance builds on decades of RD&E investment, driven by grower input and evolving market demands. The new projects are designed to address the most pressing challenges facing the industry and to provide solutions that are practical, profitable and sustainable. Each project has been designed in close consultation with growers and industry, building on GRDC’s previous RD&E investment. Mr Baillie said GRDC had partnered with UQ because the organisation had been at the heart of sorghum breeding in Australia for decades. He said more than 90 per cent of commercial grain sorghum hybrid grown today in Australia contained genetics developed by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and UQ. UQ Professor Matthew Morell said the alliance would allow the organisation to continue to deliver real-world solutions for Australian agriculture. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3367/mda-launches-new-agri-works-grant-program.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3367/mda-launches-new-agri-works-grant-program.html Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:31:50 +0530 The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Works Grant Program. This new grant opportunity supports organizations and institutions that help strengthen Minnesota agriculture, horticulture, and rural communities through development, education, research, or marketing. The MDA expects to award between five and 15 grants totaling about $485,625 through a competitive review process. Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $75,000 and require a 50% match from the grantee. Grantees must be in good standing with the State of Minnesota and may choose to apply in collaboration with other organizations. This grant program will prioritize legislatively created entities and organizations and projects that are not eligible for other MDA grant opportunities. “The AGRI Works Grant will help fund innovative projects that advance Minnesota agriculture through a thoughtful and transparent review process,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “We’re excited to see how partners across the state use this funding to support farmers and rural communities. I want to thank the state legislature for funding this program and for their continued commitment to investing in our state’s agricultural economy.” Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, employee salaries and fringe benefits, contracted services, and equipment and supplies necessary to complete project objectives. Full grant eligibility requirements and application details are available on the AGRI Works Grant webpage. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. CT on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by mid-February 2026. Funding for the AGRI Works Grant is made available through the MDA’s AGRI Program, which administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout Minnesota to advance the state’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3329/malaysia-allocates-rm6-87b-to-boost-food-supply-farm-productivity.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3329/malaysia-allocates-rm6-87b-to-boost-food-supply-farm-productivity.html Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:24:11 +0530 KPKM reinforces goals of the National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030 The allocation of RM6.87 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensure the adequacy and security of the country’s food supply as well as to increase the productivity of the agro-food sector for the well-being of the people. Its Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the seven per cent increase compared to RM6.42 billion in 2025, will continue to strengthen the country’s food security in line with the goals of the National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030 (DAN 2.0). “KPKM will continue to drive the agro-food sector in line with DAN 2.0 which focuses on the modernisation and development of the agro-food sector to increase the country’s food security. “This also involves the sustainability of agricultural activities and strengthening agricultural infrastructure as well as safeguarding the welfare of target groups,” he said in a statement today. Mohamad said KPKM is committed to implementing the 2026 Budget initiatives efficiently and based on good governance, to ensure that all target groups under the ministry can benefit from the announcement. Among the main food security initiatives announced in Budget 2026 include an allocation of RM300 million to establish agricultural project collaborations with state governments to benefit from land use, as well as RM55 million to support local fruit entrepreneurs through crop incentives and farm infrastructure. For the rice farmers, Mohamad said overall, each rice farmer is estimated to receive an incentive of RM4,300 per hectare per season in 2026 compared to RM3,790 per hectare per season previously. He said RM2.62 billion has been provided for various subsidies and incentives for farmers such as padi price subsidies, padi crop subsidies, fertilizer subsidies, seed subsidies and padi production incentives. Mohamad said the government also provided catch incentives of RM160 million, fishermen’s living allowance of up to RM300 per month, subsidised diesel maintained at RM1.65 per litre specifically for fishermen and 380 fishermen’s houses will be renovated or newly built with an allocation of RM10 million. In addition, he said RM20 million has been provided to upgrade vessels to reduce dependence on foreign captains and crews and replace Zone B trawlers and two-boat kenka trawlers to reduce unsustainable vessels ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3282/turning-climate-risk-into-opportunity-dr-godefroy-grosjean-and-ena-derenoncourt-on-ethiopias-green-finance-revolution.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3282/turning-climate-risk-into-opportunity-dr-godefroy-grosjean-and-ena-derenoncourt-on-ethiopias-green-finance-revolution.html Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:48:27 +0530 In this exclusive Agrospectrum interview, Dr. Godefroy Grosjean, Co-lead of CGIAR’s Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF), and Ena Derenoncourt, Senior Officer at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and ACT-H Project Lead, share how climate-aligned finance is reshaping Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape. They highlight  how the ACT-H initiative, backed by the Gates Foundation, is piloting bundled green loans that combine credit with irrigation, insurance, and training to de-risk horticulture value chains and empower smallholder farmers. Dr. Grosjean and Ena highlight the ImpactSF Analyzer, an AI-enabled tool translating climate data into actionable credit and portfolio metrics for banks, allowing them to move from single-loan transactions to systemic portfolio design. They have discussed the alignment of these efforts with Ethiopia’s ESG regulations, NAFIR 2025–2030, and ACC models, positioning horticulture as a catalytic entry point for climate-smart investment. Ultimately, they envision a financial ecosystem where capital flows to resilient, inclusive, and nature-positive food systems—turning climate risk into a driver of opportunity. Section I: Setting the Context – Vision and Urgency Ethiopia’s agriculture is both the backbone of the economy and deeply vulnerable to climate volatility. What motivated CGIAR’s ImpactSF to engage directly with the country’s financial institutions through ACT-H? Agriculture is vital to Ethiopia’s economy but highly climate-vulnerable. By embedding science-based KPIs and blended finance tools, ImpactSF helps banks design inclusive, climate-smart loans for small-scale producers and agri-SMEs—strengthening resilience and driving systemic change toward inclusive, nature-positive food, land, and water systems. The Government of Ethiopia has built a strong agricultural extension system, complemented by the Agricultural Transformation Institute’s (ATI) flagship initiative—the Agricultural Commercialization Clusters (ACC). The ACC model organizes priority commodities and value chain actors into clusters, creating a platform for targeted support and systemic change. Through the ACT-H initiative, supported by the Gates Foundation and in collaboration with ATI and Precise, ImpactSF is introducing green finance products to scale solar-powered irrigation for horticulture. Financing these crops through climate-informed financing, de-risking approaches, and market partnerships strengthen farmer resilience and fosters sustainable growth. In addition, building the capacity of financial institutions to design and deliver climate-linked and gender-sensitive financial products is critical. Tailored solutions ensure that women, youth, and vulnerable households are meaningfully included, reinforcing Ethiopia’s efforts toward inclusive and resilient agricultural transformation. The ACT-H initiative is framed around climate-smart horticulture. Why horticulture, and why now? What makes it a catalytic entry point for climate-aligned finance in Ethiopia? Horticulture is high-value, labor-intensive, and central to many farmer’s livelihoods. Yet it is highly exposed to drought and rainfall shifts, making deployment of climate finance urgent. The ACT-H initiative focuses on solar-powered irrigation and other climate-smart inputs, equipping farmers while catalyzing broader agri-food transformation. Horticulture—particularly banana and avocado within ACCs—offers a catalytic entry point for climate-aligned finance: Horticulture offers significant economic and livelihood benefits, contributing to household incomes, nutrition, and exports, with target crops that are bankable and enjoy strong market demand. However, these crops are highly vulnerable to climate shocks, and without appropriate risk instruments, households often face distress sales and defaults. By combining loans with insurance, climate-smart inputs, and digital repayment options, smallholder farmers—many of whom are too large for microfinance but perceived as too risky by commercial banks—become ideal candidates for innovative climate-aligned investment. Strategically, this approach aligns with national priorities such as NAFIR 2025–2030, the National Agricultural Insurance Strategy, and Digital Ethiopia 2025, while Agricultural Commercialization Clusters (ACCs) provide a scalable platform for implementation. By targeting horticulture now, ACT-H can demonstrate how climate-aligned finance can de-risk agriculture, attract private capital, and deliver measurable adaptation and livelihood outcomes—setting the stage for replication across other value chains. What unique role does CGIAR—through ImpactSF—play in bridging scientific insights with financial decision-making in such high-stakes, low-margin sectors like smallholder farming? ImpactSF leverages decades of CGIAR science and expertise into practical tools for lenders, with an emphasis on local relevance. Through the AI-informed ImpactSF Analyzer and robust KPI frameworks, we make climate risk visible and financeable. This bridges research with day-to-day lending realities, which is especially important for smallholders and women farmers, who often face significant barriers and challenges to accessing finance. At ImpactSF and within the CGIAR, our work with farmers and farmer organizations gives us key insights into what is needed to create change from the bottom up. Through this role, ImpactSF ensures that financial products are not only bankable but also aligned with climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience priorities, while advancing gender equity, youth inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Its ability to translate rigorous scientific evidence into actionable financial structures makes it uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between global climate finance standards (e.g., GCF, IFC, TCFD/IFRS S2) and the practical realities of Ethiopia’s smallholder systems. Section II: Climate Risk, Lending Challenges & Opportunity Framing Many Ethiopian banks reportedly have the liquidity but not the risk frameworks for agriculture. How is the ImpactSF Analyzer helping change that equation? This is a common challenge, banks across regions have liquidity but lack climate risk frameworks, limiting agri-lending. The ImpactSF Analyzer helps bridge this gap by identifying climate-smart investment opportunities, ensuring funding goes where it is needed. By integrating  scientific, financial and climate data, the Analyzer gives banks the confidence to design viable products that align with farmers’ realities and climate risk. By integrating scientific, financial, and climate data, the ImpactSF Analyzer enables comprehensive climate-smart lending. It supports risk-adjusted product design by aligning loans with seasonal cash flows, climate hazards, and insurance needs. It facilitates capital mobilization by producing risk metrics that attract concessional guarantees or additional liquidity. At the same time, it builds market confidence by tracking loan repayments, insurance uptake, and adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices, making agricultural finance more investable and resilient. The Analyzer ensures systematic, scalable expansion of climate-smart lending across Ethiopia. Could you explain how the tool translates climate data—like rainfall variability or drought hazards—into actionable metrics for credit scoring or portfolio design? The Analyzer takes climate data such as rainfall variability, drought frequency, or heat stress and links it directly to agricultural productivity risk at the crop and location level. Using CGIAR science, AI models and remote sensing, it projects yield impacts over the next 2–3 seasons, while also factoring in farmers’ adaptive capacity (e.g. irrigation, crop diversification). This produces forward-looking risk scores that can be integrated into credit scoring models or portfolio stress tests. For a lender, this means being able to differentiate between clients exposed to high vs. moderate climate risk, adjust loan conditions accordingly, and support anticipating default probabilities. At the portfolio level, the metrics allow banks to design more resilient sector exposures, set concentration limits, and steer capital toward climate-smart practices. Section III: Product Innovation, Tools & Bundled Finance The concept of bundled green finance—credit paired with irrigation, insurance, and training—was a major workshop highlight. What makes this model so promising for both lenders and farmers? Bundled finance reduces risk for both farmers and lenders. Pairing credit with irrigation, insurance, and training ensures farmers can repay loans while banks protect their portfolios. It’s a win-win model for resilience and growth. How are tools like the ImpactSF Analyzer enabling Ethiopian banks to go from a single-loan mindset to systems thinking—where value chains, repayment behavior, and environmental triggers are all interconnected? The Analyzer helps banks see farming systems, not just single loans. It links climate triggers, and value chain dynamics. This shifts lenders toward systemic, climate-smart portfolio design. Section IV: Systems Change, Policy & Inclusion Ethiopia’s regulators are rolling out new ESG reporting requirements. How is ImpactSF helping financial institutions align with this regulatory shift while strengthening climate-smart investment pipelines? The ESG rules present both challenges and opportunities. ImpactSF helps banks comply while building climate-smart pipelines through: ImpactSF supports financial institutions through a combination of capacity building, tools, and pipeline strengthening. It trains banks, MFIs, and insurers to design green finance products, including bundled credit, insurance, and solar-powered irrigation solutions. The ImpactSF Analyzer provides the data and insights needed to meet new ESG reporting requirements while designing stronger, more credible green finance products. Additionally, by applying a value chain lens, ImpactSF helps target priority sectors such as horticulture and livestock, scaling climate-smart products while ensuring measurable outcomes in gender inclusion, resilience, and productivity. ImpactSF turns new reporting requirements into an opportunity: building bankable, climate-smart products that attract concessional capital, reduce risk, and deliver real impact for farmers. What’s CGIAR’s broader vision for inclusive agri-finance in Ethiopia? Are you working to influence national policy, support rural banks, or scale models across other value chains? We work with banks, policymakers, and partners to shape national models. The aim is scalable finance across value chains and regions. This aligns with the CGIAR’s broader work in the region with the Ministry of Agriculture, National and Regional Agricultural Research Institutes, Ethiopian universities and both international and national development partners. There are the greatest number of CGIAR projects, initiatives, and funding in the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region, so it is a key area of our work. Section V: Scaling Impact & the Path Forward What’s next for ImpactSF and ACT-H in Ethiopia? Are there plans to pilot bundled loan products with partner institutions or integrate Analyzer insights into real-time lending decisions? Next, Act-H will co-develop bundled green loan products with partner banks and pilot innovative financing solutions in high-priority value chains. Insights from the ImpactSF Analyzer will feed into real-time lending, helping institutions actively manage climate risks. These pilots will lay the foundation for scale. How will success be measured—by hectares transformed, emissions reduced, capital deployed, or increased farmer incomes? Or is it something more systemic? Success means systemic change: capital flowing, risks reduced, and farmers empowered. It will be measured in farmer incomes, women’s access to finance, hectares under irrigation, and resilient lending portfolios. Above all, success means driving transformation toward a climate-smart financial ecosystem—one that helps turn Ethiopia’s climate challenges into investment opportunities. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3280/australia-grants-16-million-for-climate-smart-agriculture-across-the-country.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3280/australia-grants-16-million-for-climate-smart-agriculture-across-the-country.html Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:29:01 +0530 Ten projects funded range from soil health to climate resilience, carbon farming and water management Australian farmers with more than $16 million in climate-smart grants flowing to ten projects across the country. Delivered through Round 2 of the Capacity Building Grants stream of the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, the projects will help farmers better understand their emissions while adopting climate-smart practices, boosting sustainability and strengthening natural resource management. These projects build on the Government’s Agriculture and Land Sector Plan which is backed by more than $2 billion in investment to ensure our farmers and producers can confidently face our climate future. This investment is delivering practical opportunities on the ground by supporting farmers to grow more sustainability, prepare for future challenges and continue producing the world-class products Australians are proud of. The projects funded range from soil health to climate resilience, carbon farming and water management: More than $1.8 million to Ricegrowers Limited to help rice growers across the Murray Darling Basin build new skills to strengthen their sustainability and productivity, including improving water efficiency and reducing emissions.  More than $610,000 to West Pine in Tasmania to support agricultural specialists provide on-the-ground support, expertise and guidance to farmers to boost sustainable farming practices. More than $2.9 million to Sheep Producers Australia Limited to support improving the climate resilience of sheep farms and to help sheep producers to verify their sustainability credentials, which are essential for maintaining market access.  More than $2.1 million to Wine Industry Association of Western Australia to support wine businesses across WA build climate resilience, measure their carbon footprint and accelerate formal certification. More than $2.7 million to Soils for Life to support horticultural farmers adopt climate-smart practices in Tasmania, Northern NSW, Far North QLD and Southwest WA – and to support dairy farmers reduce emissions and boost their sustainability, including adaptive grazing and agroforestry techniques. More than $2.6 million to the University of Adelaide to support training, peer-to-peer learning, and expert guidance to pastoralists and land managers throughout Australia's Southern Rangelands to encourage the uptake of more efficient grazing and land management tools and technologies.  More than $1 million to Upper Barwon Landcare Network in Victoria towards training and mentoring that will support farmers improve their sustainability by adopting best practice climate-smart agricultural techniques. More than $376,000 to West Hume Landcare in NSW for training and tools that will assist farmers to boost their resilience and sustainability in a changing climate, including groundwater and soil health monitoring. Over $2 million to Central West Farming Systems Incorporated to support the delivery of workshops and on-ground demonstrations that will give farmers the tools for a regenerative farming system, including livestock management technologies and sustainable grazing techniques. These Capacity Building Grants are funded under the Natural Heritage Trust’s $302.1 million Climate-Smart Agriculture program. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3256/australian-grants-of-30-million-to-assist-farmers-and-regions-in-building-drought-and-climate-resilience.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3256/australian-grants-of-30-million-to-assist-farmers-and-regions-in-building-drought-and-climate-resilience.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:13:09 +0530 Strengthening South Australia’s agricultural resilience through expanded support programs South Australian farmers and producers impacted by drought will receive a significant boost with $30 million in funding to strengthen farm business and regional resilience programs. The funding will extend the reach and impact of the Farm Business Resilience Program and the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program until 2029. These programs are designed to equip farmers and regional communities with the skills, knowledge, and resources to manage challenging conditions and prepare for long-term resilience. The Farm Business Resilience Program, which is sector-led in South Australia, offers tailored, industry-specific training to ensure its relevance to farmers’ needs. Since its inception, the program has supported over 3,600 primary producers through more than 540 training activities, workshops, and events. Additionally, over 500 farm business plans have been created or updated, helping participants enhance their business strategies and preparedness. New funding will build on this success by expanding the program to include more farmers and sectors, ensuring broader access to its benefits. This expansion will enable even more producers to develop essential skills and plans to navigate difficult circumstances effectively. The Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program has also made significant progress. Six regional partnerships have developed drought resilience plans for key areas, including the Murraylands, Riverland, Northern and Yorke, Far North and Outback, Limestone Coast, Eyre Peninsula, and Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu, and Kangaroo Island. These plans focus on identifying and addressing the unique challenges faced by each region. With the additional funding, these regions will now have the opportunity to implement their plans through grants for drought resilience projects. Funding will also provide support for refining and governing these plans, ensuring they remain effective and adaptable to changing conditions. The Farm Business Resilience and Regional Drought Resilience Planning Programs are jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Government of South Australia. This collaboration underscores a commitment to supporting farmers and regional communities in building resilience against the challenges posed by drought and climate change. By equipping farmers with the tools to manage risks and plan for the future, these programs aim to strengthen the agricultural sector’s ability to withstand adversity and thrive in the long term. Renewed funding ensures that this vital support will continue, helping South Australia’s farming communities prepare for a more resilient future. South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven MLC stated, "The South Australian Government announced a $15.4 million investment in these two programs as part of the $73 million Drought Support Package in April this year and we are pleased to have secured matched funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Drought and the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly challenging for our primary industry sectors, associated industries and the regional communities that support them. The ongoing work to support building farm business and regional resilience and preparedness to deal with such events is a priority for the South Australian Government.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3247/world-bank-supports-philippine-agriculture-with-usd70-m-climate-risk-co-insurance-pool.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3247/world-bank-supports-philippine-agriculture-with-usd70-m-climate-risk-co-insurance-pool.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:41:18 +0530 World Bank will leverage its loan to mobilize between USD300 million and USD500 million in climate protection for farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Philippine government, with the backing of the World Bank, is set to roll out a five-year, USD70 million initiative in 2026 to protect the country’s agriculture sector from escalating climate-related risks. The project aims to establish a co-insurance pool that will provide financial protection to 750,000 small farmers and fisherfolk by 2030. Under the program, the World Bank will leverage its loan to mobilize between USD300 million and USD500 million in climate protection for farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted the initiative as a critical step toward ensuring the resilience of the nation’s agricultural producers. Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized that this initiative will enable producers to recover more quickly from climate shocks, such as droughts and floods, and minimize disruptions to food production. “The World Bank plans to leverage its loan to mobilize between USD300 million and USD500 million in climate protection for farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based MSMEs. This will allow our producers to bounce back faster after climate shocks and resume production with minimal delay.” said Agriculture Secretary. The co-insurance pool will involve collaboration between public and private insurers, combining the expertise of Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. with the technical and financial resources of private insurers, including the National Reinsurance Corporation of the Philippines. The Department of Finance will act as the borrower for the loan, while the Department of Agriculture (DA) will oversee the implementation of the program. Secretary Tiu Laurel noted that the co-insurance framework will reduce the risks associated with agricultural lending, encouraging banks to extend more credit to farmers. This, in turn, will help producers invest in advanced technologies, adopt climate-smart practices, and enhance productivity. The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of modernizing Philippine agriculture and ensuring food security for the nation. Secretary Tiu Laurel underscored the importance of protecting farmers as a means to stabilize the country’s food supply. The project reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector’s resilience in the face of climate change. By integrating public and private resources, the co-insurance pool aims to create a robust safety net for farmers, enabling them to withstand climate-triggered disasters and continue contributing to the nation’s food security. This initiative is a pivotal step toward achieving a food-secure Philippines while supporting the livelihoods of its agricultural workforce. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3210/austraila-strengthens-biosecurity-with-12m-investment-to-combat-h5-bird-flu-threat.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3210/austraila-strengthens-biosecurity-with-12m-investment-to-combat-h5-bird-flu-threat.html Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:58:03 +0530 Australia has allocated $100 M to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capability to H5 bird flu Australia continues to deliver targeted investments to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity, with $12 million to bolster response capability for a potential outbreak of H5 bird flu. The funding is being provided to states and territories to purchase critical equipment including mobile laboratories, drones and response trailers to enable rapid mobilisation in the event of an outbreak, including in remote settings. Funds are also being invested in humane depopulation, decontamination and disposal equipment, with an emphasis on preventing the spread of disease, and ensuring the humane handling of animals on-farm. This funding is part of the Government’s $100 million investment to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capability to H5 bird flu. Since 2022 Australia committed to over $2 billion in additional resourcing to Australia’s biosecurity. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, "Australia remains the only continent free from H5 bird flu, but the movement of wild birds poses an ongoing risk to our country, and an outbreak of the disease would have major consequences for Australia’s wildlife and poultry sector. That is why the Albanese Labor Government is investing $100 million to strengthen our surveillance, preparedness and response capability to H5 bird flu, to protect Australia’s agricultural industries and wildlife. National Biosecurity Week is a good reminder that biosecurity is a shared responsibility, with this $12 million to strengthen our nation-wide response capabilities to H5 bird flu, as part of our strong partnership with state and territory governments.” Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, "Australia’s commitment to biosecurity is crucial when it comes to preventing the introduction and spread of pests, diseases, and weeds, both domestically and internationally. Every Australian has a role to play in protecting our unique flora and fauna by reporting sick wildlife or anything unusual. Government is doing our share in preparing for a potential H5 bird flu outbreak, by equipping local authorities with the tools they need, ramping up monitoring and early detection efforts in wild populations and protecting native threatened species in captivity.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3205/khalifa-fund-for-enterprise-development-supports-10-emirati-small-and-medium-enterprises-smes-to-participate-in-grains-africa-2025.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3205/khalifa-fund-for-enterprise-development-supports-10-emirati-small-and-medium-enterprises-smes-to-participate-in-grains-africa-2025.html Fri, 22 Aug 2025 10:50:47 +0530 Grains Africa 2025 serves as a gateway to promising agricultural markets, which are poised to reach a USD 1 Trillion by 2030 Abu Dhabi's The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) is supporting 10 Emirati SMEs to participate in Grains Africa 2025, a leading global event for advancing agriculture and food security, which will be held from August 21 to 23, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. Khalifa Fund is a not-for-profit economic development fund of the Government of Abu Dhabi, dedicated to supporting small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). The small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by KFED are active in agriculture technology, food security, and sustainable agriculture. The participation aligns with KFED’s efforts to drive the expansion of the national entrepreneurial ecosystem and catalyse development, particularly in key sectors. It further highlights KFED’s strategic vision to promote innovation, empower SMEs and enhance the global competitive edge of Emirati enterprises, while advancing national goals such as Emiratisation across industries and supply chains, as well as export growth.  Grains Africa 2025 serves as a gateway to promising agricultural markets, which are poised to reach a USD 1 Trillion by 2030.   The event is being held alongside AgroFoodPlastpack Exhibition 2025, convening exhibitors from 16 countries, further underscoring its role in fostering international collaborations aimed at addressing critical challenges in the food sector and positively shaping the future of the agriculture sector.   Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of KFED, said: “This participation highlights our commitment to supporting Emirati startups and entrepreneurs, while enhancing their global competitiveness, and is in line with Khalifa Fund’s vision to establish a sustainable business ecosystem, which will support long-term growth and economic diversification”.   The UAE companies backed by KFED will showcase their innovative solutions at the event, including smart agriculture technologies designed to enhance productivity, value-added food manufacturing ventures and climate-conscious sustainable agriculture solutions. Some of the key exhibitors are East Gate, a specialist in bakery equipment; iPack, high-quality sterile cardboard provider; Printing Talk, offering precision-printed packaging solutions for cafes and food companies; iPlast Industries, a pioneer in plastic pallets and innovative packaging solutions that cater to food and beverage manufacturers, particularly in filling lines; Samira Maatouk, a unique brand of premium Emirati coffee; Orion, supplying advanced packaging products like films, liners, sleeves and bags tailored for the food and beverages industry; and Popular Popcorn, a family business offering healthy and premium popcorn varieties.  KFED’s participation in Grains Africa 2025 will enable UAE companies to expand into African markets, while strengthening local public-private integration. It further underscores the success of the Fund’s ‘SME Export Enablement Programme,’ launched in 2025, which aims to equip small and medium-sised enterprises with the tools and support necessary to enter international markets. Through expert advisory services, capacity building, and access to global trade platforms, the program enhances the global competitiveness of UAE-based businesses and helps them identify and seize export opportunities.   KFED’s supported SMEs participation in Grains Africa 2025 is part of the Fund’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable entrepreneurship and strengthen collaboration within one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. It also aligns with its strategy to support sustainable development goals (SDGs) and consolidate the UAE’s position as a globally leading destination for industrial and agricultural innovation.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3173/australia-pledges-new-strategies-to-bolster-the-forestry-industry-with-300m-in-grant.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3173/australia-pledges-new-strategies-to-bolster-the-forestry-industry-with-300m-in-grant.html Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:30:47 +0530 Timber Fiber Strategy: A Blueprint for innovation and sustainability in Australia’s forestry industry Australia has unveiled the Timber Fibre Strategy, a comprehensive plan to drive growth and innovation in Australia’s forestry industry. The Strategy outlines 128 ambitious actions aimed at creating a sustainable, globally competitive sector that meets both domestic and international demand for forest products. Developed through extensive consultation with the forestry industry and guided by the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership, the Strategy provides a roadmap for addressing key challenges and opportunities in the sector. It emphasizes the role of forestry in supporting Australia’s housing agenda and contributing to the government’s broader economic and environmental goals. As part of the initiative, the government has committed $300 million to bolster the forestry industry, including: Over $100 million for research, development, and innovation through Australian Forest and Wood Innovations. Over $100 million to advance wood processing innovation under the Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation program. Over $73 million to increase future wood supply through the Support Plantation Establishment program. $10 million to address workforce training needs via the Forestry Workforce Training Program. The Timber Fibre Strategy also highlights the potential for forestry to play a pivotal role in addressing housing shortages and achieving net-zero emissions. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, has emphasized the importance of collaboration with industry, states, and territories to maximize the benefits of this investment. Minister Collins stated, “Our forest products sector has a unique opportunity to deliver sustainable, high-quality, carbon-sequestering products that Australians need. This $300 million investment is already advancing the objectives outlined in the Strategy, and we are committed to doing more to support the industry’s growth.” The Strategy has been shared with Australian Forest and Wood Innovations to guide the government’s $100 million investment in transformative research. It has also been presented to federal and state colleagues to ensure forestry contributes to housing construction, productivity, and emissions reduction. The Timber Fibre Strategy sets a vision for a thriving forestry sector, encompassing sustainable forest management and a diverse, innovative manufacturing industry. Co-chairs of the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership, Stephen Dadd and Michael O’Connor, described the Strategy as a collective effort involving industry leaders, unions, researchers, and community groups. They noted, “The forestry industry has told us it wants to help solve some of the challenges facing Australia. From housing to net zero, the Strategy provides actionable steps to use sustainable, carbon-sequestering forest products to build houses and boost productivity.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3119/australia-grants-76-million-in-climate-smart-support-for-farmers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3119/australia-grants-76-million-in-climate-smart-support-for-farmers.html Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:12:55 +0530 To build capacity and resilience to climate change, manage emissions, improve soil health and protect natural capital Australia has granted more than $76 million in funding to 54 projects across the country to support farmers adopt climate-smart sustainable agriculture practices. Many of the projects are in regions that are experiencing or are prone to droughts or floods, with 17 supporting climate adaptation. The projects are funded under the Natural Heritage Trust’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and delivered by Natural Resource Management organisations across Australia. The projects will build capacity and resilience to climate change, manage emissions, improve soil health and protect natural capital. Projects will build on local knowledge and networking approaches to target what is most needed, from improving soil health, combatting land degradation and improving water-use efficiency to farm-management planning and revegetation. Activities such as on-farm demonstrations and workshops will increase awareness and adoption by farmers and landholders. The Climate-Smart Agriculture Program runs over five years from 2023 to 2028. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP said, “Across Australia I have met so many farmers and landowners who want to be more sustainable, or who have already started on their sustainability journey, but need some support or guidance. These measures will help make farming more productive and profitable, better protect our environment, increase access to markets, strengthen our rural communities and further contribute to global food security. Adapting to climate change can help our farmers to reduce their costs, improve profits and look after the country for future generations". ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3110/pepsico-and-cargill-collaborate-to-empower-farmers-by-advancing-sustainable-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3110/pepsico-and-cargill-collaborate-to-empower-farmers-by-advancing-sustainable-agriculture.html Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:09:20 +0530 Practical Farmers of Iowa will implement this collaboration locally, providing technical guidance and financial incentives to farmers adopting regenerative agriculture practices. PepsiCo and Cargill announced a strategic collaboration to advance regenerative agriculture practices across 240,000 acres from 2025 through 2030. The collaboration will focus on the companies' shared corn supply chain in Iowa, where Cargill sources from local farmers to produce ingredients used in some of PepsiCo's most iconic products. Agriculture, and creating a more resilient agricultural system, is critical to PepsiCo's business, as the company sources 35 crops and ingredients from more than 60 countries to make its convenient foods and beverages. As a global supplier to PepsiCo, Cargill plays a key role in aligning the supply chain from farm to shelf. Together, the companies aim to deepen supply chain resilience, support positive outcomes for farming communities by helping them implement regenerative practices, and unlock new opportunities for advancing sustainable agriculture at scale. Iowa is the United States' largest producer of corn, contributing to more than 15% of the nation's supply in 2024. Through trusted local organizations – led by Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), a nonprofit organization with deep roots in the Midwest farming community – this collaboration aims to provide farmers with the knowledge they need to implement regenerative techniques and help them produce crops more sustainably.  PFI will offer farmers tailored advice and recommendations based on their region and planted crops—insights grounded in local realities. This type of collaboration is key to scaling regenerative farming practices that can ultimately support farmers and strengthen the resilience of the global food system. "By working with farmers to understand what's best for their farms and partnering across the supply chain we can accelerate the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices that can result in healthier soil, reduced emissions, and improved crop yields and livelihoods for farmers," said Jim Andrew, PepsiCo Chief Sustainability Officer. "This collaboration among PepsiCo, Cargill, and Practical Farmers of Iowa creates shared value and long-term sustainability that we believe will strengthen our business today and in the future."  This initiative also supports both companies' ambitious goals: PepsiCo's recently expanded goal to drive the adoption of regenerative, restorative, or protective practices across 10 million acres globally by 2030, and Cargill's goal to advance regenerative agriculture on 10 million acres of North American farmland by the same year. "This partnership is about delivering practical, measurable results – starting on the farm, where the food system begins," said Pilar Cruz, Chief Sustainability Officer at Cargill. "By coming together across the value chain, we can help create the conditions for regenerative agriculture to take root and grow. The collaboration offers a model for how we can drive meaningful impact at scale." Building on years of successful collaboration among PepsiCo, Cargill, and PFI, this initiative expands into a larger effort to transform today's agricultural practices for the betterment of farmers, communities, and the environment. Benefits to Farmers Participating farmers will receive agronomic guidance, incentive payments to help reduce the risk of adopting new practices, and access to technical resources to support their transition to regenerative practices, allowing them to expand their sustainable footprint with support from experienced organizations. PFI will lead implementation with farmers, managing enrollment and overseeing measurement, reporting, and verification to ensure credible, science-based outcomes. These practices are designed to improve soil health, increase resilience to climate impacts, and enhance long-term farm productivity—while connecting farmers to sustainability-focused supply chains. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3095/cepi-grants-17-3-m-to-public-health-vaccinesphv-to-accelerate-nipah-vaccine-trials.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3095/cepi-grants-17-3-m-to-public-health-vaccinesphv-to-accelerate-nipah-vaccine-trials.html Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:25:27 +0530 CEPI is the world’s largest funder of Nipah virus research, committing over US$100 million to its Nipah vaccine and biologics programmes and related enabling science projects. Human trials are underway for a vaccine against Nipah, one of the world's most deadly viruses. These trials are being conducted in Bangladesh, where outbreaks of Nipah disease now cause the deaths of almost 6,000 people annually. The vaccine (PHV02), developed by the U.S.-based biotech company Public Health Vaccines (PHV), will be among the first Nipah vaccine candidates to reach this stage of human testing when it launches in early 2026. Public Health Vaccines will receive US$17 million from CEPI to support the trial, building on a previous investment that helped advance Nipah vaccine through early-stage clinical testing (Phase Ia and Phase Ib), demonstrating good safety and immunogenicity in both a one-dose and a two-dose approach.The additional funds will support the development of this vaccine into Phase II trials to determine its safety, tolerability, manufacturability and ability to generate an immune response.A total of 500 adult participants and 75 children will be recruited in Bangladesh by the researchers. “Public Health Vaccine’s Nipah virus vaccine candidate has shown promising early results in clinical testing, demonstrating its potential to rapidly induce vaccine immunity after a single injection. This would make it an ideal protective candidate against Nipah, which is a highly lethal virus,” said Dr Kent Kester, CEPI’s Executive Director of Research and Development. “CEPI is delighted to continue its partnership with Public Health Vaccines through this additional funding, enabling the vaccine to progress into Phase II clinical trials and help bring the promise of protection against Nipah virus closer than ever.” If the vaccine candidate under trial proves successful and gains regulatory approval, CEPI and PHV will have the option to create a stockpile of the vaccine for use in a Nipah-affected country. This means that should an outbreak emerge in the future, these vaccines could be  more readily and rapidly available, helping protect high-risk people such as healthcare workers and ending an outbreak sooner. “Developing countermeasures against disease threats of pandemic potential has never been more important or challenging. PHV is dedicated to developing vaccines to help reduce and control the risk of emerging diseases one threat at a time. Endemic populations at-risk for Nipah virus disease are faced with the increasing risk of outbreaks with no vaccines or treatments; the need is now”,  said Dr. Joan Fusco, Principal Investigator and PHV’s Chief Operating Officer. The PHV02 vaccine is a live, attenuated, recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) vector that expresses the glycoprotein of the Nipah virus (Bangladesh strain) and the Ebola virus glycoprotein, which is required for receptor-mediated viral entry. The immune system recognises the Nipah glycoprotein and produces a response that can neutralise the infectious virus. The rVSV-Nipah vaccine was developed by the Laboratory of Dr. Heinz Feldmann within the Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, and has been licensed to PHV by NIAID. PHV02 is based on the same technology as the approved Ebola vaccine, rVSV-ZEBOV, which has been proven to work well and has been used to fight previous Ebola outbreaks. The VSV-vector-based platform could also be useful for facing a future Disease X—an as-yet-unknown pathogen with pandemic potential—because it allows for rapid plug-and-play vaccine development. As the platform is further validated, scientists could quickly insert genetic material from a new or unknown pathogen into the same VSV backbone, accelerating preclinical work, manufacturing, and regulatory pathways. As such, this project will make a valuable contribution to CEPI’s 100 Days Mission—a goal to compress vaccine development timelines in response to a pandemic threat to a little over three months. CEPI and the PHV are committed to enabling access to any vaccine outputs developed through this partnership, in line with CEPI’s Equitable Access Policy. This includes developing a target product profile suitable for low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), assessing the need for technology transfer to LMICs, and priority supply to LMICs at an affordable price, and a Public Health License. This license grants CEPI the rights to enable the development of the vaccine to move forward quickly in the event of an outbreak and ensures continuity for the vaccine's future development. The clinical trial data generated by this project will be published open access to benefit public health and research communities. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3084/korea-stives-to-bolsters-global-expansion-through-national-agricultural-cooperative-federation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3084/korea-stives-to-bolsters-global-expansion-through-national-agricultural-cooperative-federation.html Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:29:34 +0530 NACF France play a pivotal role in advancing Korean agro-food output into the European market Korea’s National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF) Chairman Kang Ho-dong shared his global expansion strategy with employees in Europe, the cooperative organization for farmers. He urged that NACF France needs to play a pivotal role in Korean agro-food’s successful advance into the European market. National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF) is also known as NongHyup, exists with its three financial subsidiaries — NACF in France, NH NongHyup Bank London branch and NH Investment & Securities in London — reported their latest operations to the chairman during his visit to the bank’s London branch. On the occasion of his visit to NH NongHyup Bank's London office, Kang encouraged the company's employees and discussed its global presence. Opened in 2021, NH NongHyup Bank’s London office was the bank’s first overseas branch in Europe, marking a milestone for a major Korean bank entering the U.K. financial market. “The London offices should serve not only as the core of NongHyup financial services in Europe, but also as a strategic outpost for NongHyup’s overall global expansion. It needs to establish a close relationship with Korean companies seeking to enter into the European market. They need money, and we can support them” explains Chairman Kang Ho-dong. Kang reviewed market trends in the European agri-food sector, local business performance and partnership networks at Nonghyup's France branch. He emphasized the office's role as a control tower for expanding Korean agricultural exports to Europe. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3048/the-great-agri-reset-climate-smart-tech-driven-farmer-first.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/3048/the-great-agri-reset-climate-smart-tech-driven-farmer-first.html Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:05:31 +0530 India’s farmlands are undergoing a quiet revolution—powered by tech, backed by policy, and driven by purpose. With agriculture employing 45 per cent of the workforce and contributing 18 per cent to GDP, the rise of agritech could unlock a $95 billion GDP boost through smarter yields, lower costs, and climate resilience. From drone-powered soil checks to AI-driven advisories, platforms like AgriStack and eNAM are turning farming into a precision, data-led industry. Over $2.6 billion in startup funding since FY22 signals that agritech isn’t just innovation—it’s India’s next growth engine. With the right investments and inclusive digital tools, India can lead the world in climate-smart, tech-forward farming. India’s rich agro-ecological diversity has long established it as a global agricultural leader. Agriculture continues to be a vital pillar of the Indian economy, contributing nearly 18 per cent to GDP and employing about 45 per cent of the country’s workforce, according to Redseer Strategy Consultants. Even during the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, agriculture stood out as a pillar of stability and resilience. This was largely enabled by targeted government interventions, including strong support for farmer producer organisations (FPOs), promotion of crop diversification, improvements in agricultural productivity, encouragement of mechanisation, and enhanced financial support mechanisms. A key milestone in this effort was the launch of the Rs 1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, designed to strengthen rural infrastructure, improve post-harvest logistics, and build a more resilient agri-economy. Despite its agricultural output, India ranks only eighth globally in agricultural exports, holding a 2.33 per cent share of the global market. However, with the rise of agritech innovations, the sector is on the brink of a major shift.  A recent Ernst & Young report estimates that India’s agritech market holds a $24 billion opportunity, yet current penetration remains low at just 1.5 per cent. If fully developed, the agritech ecosystem could increase farmers’ incomes by 25 per cent to 35 per cent, contributing up to $95 billion to GDP through enhanced productivity, reduced input costs, improved market access, and diversified income streams. In response, the integration of climate-resilient practices with agricultural innovation has emerged as a critical strategy to safeguard both food and energy security. India’s agricultural future hinges on its ability to adapt and innovate. By merging traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technologies and fostering an ecosystem that supports resilience, India can not only protect its farmers but also lead the way in sustainable, climate-smart agriculture. With the right investments and policies, the country can build a farming system that is productive, equitable, and climate-ready, securing food and fuel for generations to come. India’s agritech sector is undergoing a seismic shift. Powered by digital innovation and growing investor interest, it’s reshaping the future of farming—from the ground up. Since FY22, the sector has pulled in over $2.6 billion across 340 deals, with nearly 70 per cent of funding flowing into B2B/B2C market linkages and full-stack platforms. The message from investors is clear: Agritech is no longer a niche—it’s a commercial opportunity with national impact. India is making significant strides in reshaping its agricultural landscape by integrating digital innovation and sustainability into the heart of farming. Initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission, with an allocation of Rs 2817 crore, are equipping farmers with real-time data and decision-making tools that improve productivity and resource efficiency. The Centre has allocated Rs 1,261 crore for the Namo Drone Didi scheme for 2023-26, bringing a much-needed gender lens to agriculture by empowering women through self-help groups, turning them into active participants and entrepreneurs in the supply chain. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) further strengthens the ecosystem by promoting environmentally friendly farming practices. To bolster domestic manufacturing of drones and related components, the government is planning the PLI Scheme 2.0 worth Rs 1000 crore. Together, these initiatives are laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector—one that is better equipped to tackle both current pressures and future demands. Centralised digital platforms can help streamline stakeholder coordination and enhance service delivery. At the same time, innovative financing models, such as micro-credit schemes and blended finance, are essential to unlock investments in agri-tech solutions. Just as crucial is the need for training and capacity building, ensuring that farmers not only have access to technology but also the confidence and skills to use it effectively. Agri-tech holds the key to revitalising Indian agriculture, offering solutions that increase yields, reduce environmental impact, and improve livelihoods, especially in the face of mounting climate risks. By embracing innovation at scale, India can make meaningful progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its national commitments under global climate agreements. With the right vision and collective effort, India can not only transform its agricultural sector but also emerge as a global leader in climate-smart farming, demonstrating how technology and inclusive growth can shape a sustainable future. Where Technology Meets the TillerA quiet revolution is reshaping India’s farmlands — and technology is leading the charge. Across the country, agritech startups are blooming, tackling age-old farming challenges with modern solutions. Driving this growth is strong government support. Initiatives like Startup India have created a fertile environment for innovation, giving entrepreneurs the tools and confidence to break new ground in the agritech space. Agritech is doing more than just streamlining farm operations — it's reshaping the entire agricultural value chain. By harnessing tools like AI, machine learning, data analytics, and SaaS platforms, farmers are making better decisions faster. These technologies enable smarter resource use, reduce operational costs, and help maximise yields — all while preparing farms to withstand climate challenges. In short, agritech is turning agriculture into a data-driven, climate-smart industry — and the benefits are just beginning to unfold. Private equity and venture capital firms are pouring capital into the sector, providing startups with the resources they need to refine their operations, boost research and development, and expand into new markets. The outcome: A fresh wave of tech-powered agriculture that’s smarter, more sustainable, and perfectly tuned to the needs of today’s farmers. Policy Meets Precision: India’s AgriTech LeapThe fusion of technology and agriculture is opening up powerful new pathways to tackle the growing risks posed by climate change. In India, the government is playing a proactive role in driving this transformation. A cornerstone of this effort is the Agri-Stack — a digital infrastructure designed to unify agricultural services and data on a single platform. This initiative makes it easier for farmers to access everything from advisories and subsidies to credit and insurance, while also streamlining coordination across the entire agricultural value chain. By improving access to cutting-edge technologies and offering financial and policy support, India is steadily building an agri-tech ecosystem that empowers farmers to boost productivity while embracing sustainable practices. Among the most impactful steps taken by the Indian government to modernise agriculture are initiatives like the Agricultural Accelerator Fund and the creation of Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture. These forward-looking programmes are designed to energise India’s fast-growing AgriTech ecosystem and promote innovation that can withstand future disruptions and challenges. Among the most groundbreaking initiatives by the Indian government in recent years is AgriStack, formally called the India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA). This bold vision seeks to weave together the country’s vast agricultural data into a single, powerful platform, anchored by each farmer’s land records. In a nation where most farmers cultivate small plots with limited resources and little exposure to cutting-edge technology, AgriStack holds the promise of being a true game-changer. This ecosystem integrates an impressive array of digital innovations, transforming the way decisions are made on the ground:First, Drone-powered soil and crop assessments that provide precise insights to optimise pesticide use and promote eco-friendly farming. Second, tailored recommendations crafted for every unique plot of land—offering advice on the best seeds to sow, optimal farming techniques, and smart soil management practicesThird, Instant, real-time updates on weather, crop insurance options, market trends, and government programs, all designed to reduce risks and improve farmers’ livelihoods. By delivering these actionable insights straight to farmers’ fingertips, AgriStack has the potential to revolutionise agriculture across India, empowering millions to make informed, timely decisions that enhance both productivity and resilience. A key pillar of India’s AgriTech transformation is the National Agriculture Market (eNAM)—a comprehensive electronic trading platform that seamlessly integrates existing Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis across the country. By bridging the information gap between buyers and sellers, eNAM introduces much-needed transparency and efficiency into agricultural markets. This digital marketplace unifies national trade, enabling farmers to access fair prices in real time based on actual supply and demand. The outcome? Farmers gain stronger bargaining power, markets operate more smoothly, and consumers benefit from access to high-quality produce. In the 2022-23 Union Budget, the government launched the Agriculture Accelerator Fund, a visionary initiative aimed at energising rural entrepreneurs and startups driving innovation in agriculture. This fund supports the development of affordable, technology-based solutions tailored to overcome persistent challenges faced by farmers. By empowering young “Agri-preneurs” with funding and resources, the initiative is poised to boost productivity and foster a dynamic AgriTech ecosystem nationwide. Supporting these efforts is the plan to establish a Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture—an open-source, interoperable platform designed around six farmer-focused services. These services include crop planning, health management, easier access to inputs, credit and insurance support, market insights, and the promotion of AgriTech startups. A shining example of this vision is the government’s Digital Soil Health Card initiative. By analysing soil quality and composition, the programme promotes precision farming tailored to local conditions. The revamped Soil Health Card portal, accessible via web and mobile app, provides farmers with easy-to-understand reports—complete with emoticons indicating soil health—in 22 languages and five dialects, ensuring broad accessibility and inclusivity. At the same time, the government is turbocharging India’s AgriTech scene by actively backing agri-incubators and start-ups. Programmes like RKVY-RAFTAR and the Agri-Sure Fund are providing crucial funding, expert guidance, and resources to nurture promising early-stage ventures and build a thriving innovation ecosystem. This support is fuelling breakthroughs in precision farming and cutting-edge technologies that boost both productivity and climate resilience. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana are pushing efficient irrigation solutions to conserve water, while the use of drones and other smart tools highlights a bold commitment to sustainable, resource-savvy agriculture. Together, these efforts are reshaping Indian farming—making it smarter, greener, and ready to face the challenges of tomorrow. Invest Integrate Innovate To effectively drive agri-tech integration, several strategic actions are essential. First, modernising agri-incubators is crucial. This involves updating their infrastructure and programmes to align with rapidly evolving technologies and changing market demands. Second, establishing state-level, controlled testing grounds where innovators can pilot their technologies in real-world agricultural environments is necessary. These testing sites enable developers to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness and practicality of their solutions while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Third, the development of an integrated digital platform is key to creating a cohesive agri-tech ecosystem. For farmers, it would offer easy access to timely advisories, best practices for sustainable farming, and direct links to market opportunities, empowering them to make data-driven decisions that improve productivity and income. Fourth, significant investment must be channelled into precision farming and climate-smart technologies. These advanced tools and methods enhance farmers’ ability to respond to environmental challenges such as erratic weather, water scarcity, and soil degradation. Finally, deploying a diverse range of financial instruments is vital to accelerate the growth and adoption of promising agri-tech ventures. This includes fast-track credit facilities to provide startups with quick access to capital, risk-sharing frameworks that encourage investment by mitigating potential losses, and impact investments focused on generating social and environmental benefits alongside financial returns.By implementing these comprehensive measures, the integration of agri-tech can be significantly accelerated, fostering a more sustainable, productive, and resilient agricultural sector that benefits all stakeholders involved. India stands at the threshold of a new agricultural era—one where sustainable growth and climate resilience go hand in hand. By embracing agri-tech innovations, the country can make significant strides toward achieving global environmental goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safeguarding farmers from climate uncertainties. ------- Suchetana Choudhury ( suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com ) ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2839/australia-announces-2-3-m-plantation-grants-to-support-sustainable-timber-supply.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2839/australia-announces-2-3-m-plantation-grants-to-support-sustainable-timber-supply.html Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:55:55 +0530 The funds will support the establishment of 5 new plantations in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania. The Australian government is providing more than $2.3 million in plantation grants to help the forestry industry supply domestically sourced sustainable timber. In addition to supporting sustainable forestry, the government is investing in forest industry innovation, manufacturing, and skills. As part of the most significant forest industry support package in Australia's history, around $300 million will be provided to help improve the sector's capacity and capability. The Support Plantation Establishment program is providing grant funding to help establish up to 36,000 hectares of new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests across Australia. The funds will support the establishment of 5 new plantations in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania. The grant recipients will establish a mix of softwood and hardwood plantations totalling over 1,200 hectares. These 5 new projects are in addition to 41 others worth $26.2 million. Total funding through the program now exceeds $28.5 million since the first grants were announced in 2023.  Approximately 15,000 hectares of new plantations have now been approved for establishment across the country.  Round three of the program is open for applications until 5 November 2025 with the government providing up to $2,000 per hectare of new long-rotation plantation forest established to eligible projects. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP said, "Demand for timber is expected to grow in the coming decades. That’s why over 14,500 hectares of new hardwood and softwood plantations will be established throughout Australia as part of the Support Plantation Establishment program. There is still time to apply for grant funding to establish new plantations. The current batch of applications are open to 8 May, and the final application deadline for this round is 5 November with all projects needing to be delivered by 30 June 2027. This support is important as Australia’s plantation forest estate has been in decline for over a decade. Action now will increase Australia’s future timber supply and mitigate against our future dependence on imported timber.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2817/vietnam-collaborates-with-irri-and-gic-to-implement-technological-strategies-to-boost-rice-value-chain.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2817/vietnam-collaborates-with-irri-and-gic-to-implement-technological-strategies-to-boost-rice-value-chain.html Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:32:11 +0530 Promotes sustainable rice straw management and adhering to Sustainable Rice Platform standards The "Green Innovation Centers" (GIC) project was officially concluded at a conference held in Can Tho City to celebrate the success of the collaboration between the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). The GIC project, part of the broader “Green Innovation Centers for the Agriculture and Food Sector” program under the global initiative “One World – No Hunger,” is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ in 15 African and Asian countries. In Vietnam, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in close partnership with GIC and provincial Departments of Agriculture and Environment, has been implementing innovative techniques to enhance the rice value chain. This includes promoting sustainable rice straw management and adhering to Sustainable Rice Platform standards. By December 2024, the project had effectively engaged 24,062 farmers along with 294 cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the rice and mango value chains in six Mekong Delta provinces. A noteworthy aspect of the initiative was the targeted support provided to 91 rice cooperatives and the piloting of 43 innovative farming models, which have demonstrated enhanced economic efficiency and a reduction in emissions when compared to traditional methods. Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, a scientist at IRRI, shared insights on the project’s impacts, stating, "Over the past four years, we have trained many cooperatives and officers in mechanized rice straw-based composting. This effort has fostered environmental responsibility and economic growth among Vietnamese rice farmers." He emphasized that this initiative empowers cooperatives to become key producers of compost, diversifying their income streams and enriching soil fertility, showcasing the positive impact of cooperative-led sustainable agricultural practices in Vietnam. The innovations surrounding rice straw developed and advocated by IRRI have received widespread adoption and commendation from stakeholders. Mr. Dong Van Canh, Director of New Green Farm Cooperative in Thot Not district, Can Tho city, noted that cooperative farmers are now utilizing rice straw for cultivating straw mushrooms, thereby enhancing their income through both outdoor and indoor models. Additionally, the residual straw from mushroom production is repurposed as organic fertilizer, contributing to sustainability. Mr. Ta Van Bong, Director of Tan Binh Cooperative in Thanh Binh district, Dong Thap province, highlighted the importance of rice straw composting, stating, "The implementation of rice straw composting is a valuable innovation for Tan Binh Cooperative. Our farmers are actively reducing post-harvest rice straw burning, and transforming rice straw into fertilizer is crucial for improving soil fertility in both intensive rice cultivation areas and those focused on industrial crops and fruit orchards." Looking ahead, Mr. Nguyen Tan Nhon, Director of the Provincial Programme Management Unit (PPMU) in Can Tho City, outlined future plans with optimism, stating, "We will focus on promoting on-farm rice straw processing into organic fertilizers for reapplication to fields and other crops. This initiative will help farmers reduce production costs and lessen their dependence on chemical fertilizers, especially given the current market conditions." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2802/chinas-quanyibao-grants-kyrgyzstan-1-12mn-worth-of-agricultural-equipment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2802/chinas-quanyibao-grants-kyrgyzstan-1-12mn-worth-of-agricultural-equipment.html Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:02:07 +0530 A grant of over $1.12 million was awarded to agriculture equipment manufacturers Chinese company, Quanyibao to provide Kyrgyzstan with agricultural equipment for artificial rain and pest control worth over $1.12mn as a grant. Additionally, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Quanyibao and Kyrgyz Agro Holding to advance agricultural technology initiatives. The agreement was reached during Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev’s working visit to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China. During his trip, Torobaev also held discussions with China-Kyrgyzstan Kaiyuan Industrial Development (Xinjiang). regarding the construction of the "Golden Road Asia-Europe" international customs and logistics park in Chui region.  Torobaev confirmed that Kyrgyzstan would allocate land for the project, which is expected to boost trade between the two countries. The $30mn investment in the logistics park was formalized last year at the VIII Issyk-Kul Economic Forum. In addition, Torobaev met with representatives of six Chinese companies specializing in seed production, livestock farming, and horticulture. He emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s favorable investment climate and invited them to participate in an agricultural forum set to take place in Kyrgyzstan on April 3-4. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2786/zespri-invites-innovators-to-accelerate-decarbonisation-and-optimize-productivity-in-orchards.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2786/zespri-invites-innovators-to-accelerate-decarbonisation-and-optimize-productivity-in-orchards.html Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:59:20 +0530 Zespri ZAG Innovation Fund launches second year with sustainable future mission As the world's largest kiwifruit marketer, Zespri, which accounts for one-third of the industry's global volume, reaffirms its commitment to the Zespri Innovation Fund, which accelerates sustainable innovation to meet growing demands in the global market. In the wake of ZAG's launch in November 2023, Zespri is now seeking to rally innovators and pioneers to strengthen climate resilience across every food system and advance productivity and carbon-neutral practices for kiwifruit. As part of the industry’s focus on climate resilience, ZAG is expected to include solutions to help grow better kiwifruit while nurturing soil health by improving water retention, biodiversity and carbon storage to support growers, enhance orchard resilience and safeguard productivity while growing sustainably. ZAG has already received more than 100 submissions from more than 15 countries, with 11 moving into pilot programs with the fund focusing on four areas: (1) Initiatives that are good for kiwifruit by driving superior quality and lifting orchard productivity; (2) Initiatives that are good for people by promoting wellbeing through kiwifruit consumption; (3) Initiatives that are beneficial for the environment by protecting and enhancing nature; (4) And finally, initiatives that foster a thriving kiwifruit industry, benefitting growers and the local communities they are a part of. ZAG pilots have to date explored a variety of sustainability efforts, including the use of biochar on kiwifruit orchards to increase orchard productivity while reducing emissions, technology which analyses the unique chemical signatures emitted by fruit to support planning around kiwifruit harvesting and the use of microwave sensing technology as a non-destructive method for quality assessment of kiwifruit without waste. “We’ve had a really positive first year with ZAG. It’s helped connect us with innovative problem solvers from around the world to address key challenges our industry faces as we meet the growing demand for kiwifruit, but this is just the beginning,” said Jiunn Shih, Chief Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability Officer. “For year two, we are heightening our efforts to focus on strengthening climate resilience and solutions that will help us grow a more sustainable future, one kiwifruit at a time.” “We’ll also be refreshing the focus of ZAG every quarter, initially prioritising climate resilience as part of our pledge to work with partners to be carbon positive by 2035, and then looking at other priorities,” Shih says. Zespri International Limited with international headquarters located in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand is the largest Kiwifruit marketer in the world, selling in over 50 countries. Zespri works with more than 4,000 growers around the world. . It has licensed growers in Australia, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Singapore and South Korea, and several other countries are conducting trials. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2760/australia-grants-10-4-million-for-14-new-plantation-projects.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2760/australia-grants-10-4-million-for-14-new-plantation-projects.html Fri, 28 Feb 2025 13:17:17 +0530 The projects will bolster Australia’s future timber supply Australia has announced grants of over $10.4 million for 14 new plantation projects through round 3 of the Support Plantation Establishment program. The program is playing an important role in stimulating investment and growth in Australia's wood supply. The 14 projects will establish hardwood and softwood plantations ranging in size from 21 to 1928 hectares, to a total of approximately 5,500 hectares, in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. The projects will bolster Australia’s future timber supply while contributing to meeting Australia’s carbon emissions targets. Australia is strongly committed to sustainable forestry, and invests in forest industry innovation, manufacturing and skills. In addition, governament is supporting the initiative with more than $300 million to help improve the capacity and capability of the sector. These new projects are in addition to 27 existing plantation projects, with the program now providing $26.2 million in grant funding to support the establishment of over 13,750 hectares of new hardwood and softwood plantations across Australia. The growth of Australia's plantation industry will also create jobs in regional areas and increase the availability of timber to meet the increasing demand for forest products in the construction and manufacturing industries. Additional funding is still available for private industry, First Nations businesses, farm foresters, and state and territory government forestry bodies to establish new plantations through round 3 until 5 November 2025. The new projects are expected to be delivered by June 2027. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP said, “Australia doesn’t have enough domestically grown timber. That’s why this program has enabled new softwood and hardwood plantations across Australia, including in my home state of Tasmania. It’s part of a wider program of support for our forestry industry worth $300 million, which also includes the establishment of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations and funding to combat illegally logged timber products from entering Australia". ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2750/aisrf-allocates-4m-to-cutting-edge-science-research-projects-in-india-and-australia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2750/aisrf-allocates-4m-to-cutting-edge-science-research-projects-in-india-and-australia.html Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:45:00 +0530 Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) supports projects addressing mutual challenges AISRF is the Australian Government’s largest bilateral program dedicated to science. It has supported over 370 collaborative activities since 2006.   Round 16 offers grants from $200,000 to $1 million per project, with $4 million available in total. Collaborations can include joint research projects, workshops, fellowships and institutional partnerships.    This grant opportunity provides Australian researchers with up to $1 million in funding to help them collaborate on projects with Indian science and technology research partners. The Australia-India Strategic Research fund aims to: increase the uptake of leading science and technology by supporting collaboration between Australian and Indian researchers in strategically focused, leading-edge scientific research and technology projects strengthen strategic alliances between Australian and Indian researchers facilitate Australia and India’s access to the global science and technology system positively impact the participation of women in scientific research and technology projects. The intended outcomes of the program are: greater profile and reputational gains for Australian and Indian science, research and innovation capabilities in each other’s country and globally stronger links between Australian and Indian research and business communities to grow long-term collaboration an opportunity for any postgraduate students involved in the project to spend time in the other country and work with collaborating researchers to help form lifelong networks and build on institutional links enhancement of Australia’s reputation as a destination of choice for Indian tertiary students strengthening and deepening of the bilateral diplomatic relationship and strategic partnership. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2739/grdc-invests-extra-3-5m-in-biosecurity-for-australian-grain-growers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2739/grdc-invests-extra-3-5m-in-biosecurity-for-australian-grain-growers.html Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:58:18 +0530 GRDC $3.5 million Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Plant Health Australia would help to further bolster biosecurity for the grains industry nationally A variety of proactive steps are being taken to protect Australian grain growers against the threat of exotic plant pests, including realistic biosecurity simulation exercises, the development of a national biosecurity guide and the appointment of a biosecurity coordinator. A $3.5 million Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Plant Health Australia (PHA) to strengthen the Grains Industry Biosecurity Plan 2023–28. The additional investment will support the implementation of the national biosecurity plan, which was announced in August last year to strengthen biosecurity protections and help safeguard Australia’s $32 billion grains industry. The extra $3.5M from GRDC adds to the substantive investment Australian growers make to biosecurity through the PHA/Biosecurity Activity Levy (approx $2M/year), the Exotic Plant Pest Response Levy (approx $1M/year) and a range of GRDC investments to address biotic threats (totalling $56.8M in 2023–24).The Grains Industry Biosecurity Plan has been developed to give industry, governments and stakeholders the expert framework and focus needed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to grain-specific biosecurity incursions. Developed in collaboration with industry leaders and biosecurity experts, the plan identifies more than 1300 different exotic plant pests and disease threats that could impact the Australian grains industry. It also details a number of programs and proactive measures required to protect growers, industry and the economy. GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart said the MOU would provide another $3.5M to allow critical measures to the implemented. “GRDC on behalf of Australian grain growers is investing in this work with our main partners Plant Health Australia. We aim to support the industry to develop improved biosecurity practices, so we are prepared and proactively guarding against the very real threat exotic pests and diseases pose to agriculture" added Hart. A strong partnership framework underpins this agreement, ensuring that both the GRDC and PHA are ready to fight some of the most devastating exotic pests in the world. The biosecurity plan will be reviewed and updated regularly over the coming years with a particular focus on three main areas: Pest risk scanning to ensure we capture and learn from the latest international literature on our key pest threats. Ongoing coordination of the development and management of preparedness information resources. Reviewing the plan’s progress to improve understanding of pest risk profiles and entry pathways, and to target surveillance efforts to areas of greatest risk. The plan also details development of an enhanced partnership approach between key players The industry is in full agreement with this plan, and partners are collaborating to ensure that we have the systems in place to be responsive and act promptly – two critical factors that determine whether we can effectively control or devastate the industry. Sarah Corcoran, PHA Chief Executive Officer, emphasised that while grain growers and the broader agricultural sector were the main beneficiaries of a strong and proactive biosecurity plan, benefits extended to governments, industry, researchers and the wider Australian community. “The grains industry is a vital contributor to both Australia’s national economy and many regional economies. As biosecurity threats grow more complex in our changing world, it is crucial that we unite our efforts with a shared purpose and clear, measurable outcomes. e intend to build on previous initiatives to identify pressing current and emerging exotic pests of greatest concern to the grains industry, with a practical guide outlining key areas for surveillance, education, and mitigation efforts. This will enable both industry and government to make informed decisions in response to growing biosecurity challenges facing Australia" explained Corcoran. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2711/philippines-establish-collaborative-initiatives-to-promote-farmers-financial-inclusion-digitalization.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2711/philippines-establish-collaborative-initiatives-to-promote-farmers-financial-inclusion-digitalization.html Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:11:57 +0530 Farmers benefit from easy access to financial tools and services, streamlining payouts, and advancing financial inclusion. The Philippines Department of Agriculture, through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (DA-PCIC), and the country’s leading mobile wallet app, GCash, have teamed up to deliver faster, safer, and more efficient indemnity payments to insured farmers. DA-PCIC President, Attorney Jovy C. Bernabe, signed a contract with G-Xchange, Inc.—the company behind GCash—represented by its President and CEO, Oscar Enrico Reyes Jr., at the GCash Headquarters in Taguig City. “Your commitment to this partnership demonstrates our shared goal of empowering the agricultural sector through innovation. Together, we are paving the way for a more resilient and financially inclusive future for our farmers and fisherfolk,” said Atty. Bernabe. The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) formalizes their shared commitment to streamlining the payout system, financially empowering farmers, and advancing financial inclusion in rural areas. The contract includes the introduction of GCash’s Funds Disbursement Service (FDS), enabling indemnity payments to be deposited directly into farmers’ GCash wallet accounts in real-time, thereby eliminating delays and inefficiencies associated with issuing physical checks. A key advantage of this partnership is introducing farmers to GCash’s digital ecosystem, empowering them to save, invest, and access microfinancing tools for resilience and financial growth. In line with the government’s financial inclusion agenda, this initiative provides farmers with easy access to financial tools and services, even in remote areas. It envisions uplifting agricultural communities and ensuring resilience, inclusivity, and innovation for farmers nationwide. Joining them were DA-PCIC officials: Senior Vice President Segundo H. Guerrero Jr., Support Services Group Vice President Allan E. Retamar, and Office of the Corporate Business Affairs Group Vice President Melba P. Manalo. Also present were GCash executives: Business Head Edgardo R. Layug Jr., Public Sector Cluster Head Cleo Celeste C. Santos, and Public Sector-National Government Accounts Manager Alda Lou B. Cabrera. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2693/bayer-and-pula-foundation-partner-up-to-insure-10-million-smallholder-farmers-in-sub-saharan-africa-and-south-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2693/bayer-and-pula-foundation-partner-up-to-insure-10-million-smallholder-farmers-in-sub-saharan-africa-and-south-asia.html Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:17:29 +0530 Aims to make smallholder farmers more resilient to droughts and floods, which threaten harvests, livelihoods, and global food security Bayer Foundation and the Pula Foundation announced at World Economic Forum that they are planning to provide insurance coverage for 10 million smallholder farmers by 2030. The collaboration aims to enhance climate resilience among smallholder farmers, protecting them against the growing impacts of droughts and floods, which threaten harvests, livelihoods, and global food security. It will help build private-public collaborations and shape the insurance market for agriculture in Africa and Asia. The Pula Foundation has developed scalable and data-driven agricultural insurance solutions designed to safeguard smallholder farmers' investments in their farms. By mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, the Pula Foundation ensures that farmers receive financial compensation for yield losses, enabling them to recover, reinvest, and build long-term resilience in the face of climate uncertainty. By 2030, Bayer Foundation’s grant for insurance premium support in the amount of 10 million euros – supported by a donation from Bayer’s Crop Science Division – will unlock a potential insurance coverage of 127 million U.S. dollars for 10 million farmers working with national governments in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Mali. The grant originates from Bayer Foundation’s Social Innovation Ecosystem Fund which targets mature and high-impact solutions for underserved communities. “Our Crop Science division is committed to deliver innovative, farmer-focused solutions that drive sustainable growth and regenerative agriculture. By unlocking climate finance and collaborating with partners like the Pula Foundation, we aim to deliver ecosystem-based approaches that empower smallholder farmers and their communities to overcome challenges and thrive,” added Rodrigo Santos, President of Bayer’s Crop Science Division, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and Executive Director Bayer Foundation. Pula Foundation and Bayer Foundation already demonstrated in 2021 that building such public-private partnerships to offer insurance protection at scale works: Together with the Zimbabwean Government and as part of the Zimbabwean Conservation Agriculture Program, they developed an insurance solution that protects the input investments farmers made. With the catalytic support of Bayer Foundation for this pilot, 31,000 farmers were insured against climate risks such as droughts in the first year, which the public-private partnership network of Pula Foundation scaled to more than 1 million farmers after three years. Rose Goslinga, Director of Pula Foundation says “This partnership with Bayer Foundation will enable us to expand our reach and ensure that millions more farmers can secure their livelihoods and build resilience against climate risks.” According to FAO, in 2023, around 2.33 billion people globally faced moderate or severe food insecurity. Smallholder farmers make a significant contribution to food security and supply in their countries: more than half of the food consumed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is produced by smallholders. Yet, they face heavy challenges that pose severe constraints to their ability to serve their communities. Examples are lack of climate change adaptation tools, lack of access to agricultural inputs and inadequate credit and insurance services. Bayer aims to support a total of 100 million smallholder farmers in LMICs by 2030 by improving their access to agricultural products and services. This also includes collaborations with partners. To achieve this, Bayer strives to create market models that generate benefits and reduce business risks for all partners in the value chain, including smallholder farmers. This is implemented by helping smallholder farmers gain access to the agricultural value chain and increase their productivity and income, as well as by creating resilience to ensure the long-term food security of smallholder farmers, their families and rural regions in LMICs. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2590/ferrero-invests-in-hazelnut-farming-globally-with-research-grants-to-the-u-s-university-programs.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2590/ferrero-invests-in-hazelnut-farming-globally-with-research-grants-to-the-u-s-university-programs.html Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:50:57 +0530 Investments are the latest in an ongoing commitment to help Rutgers University and Oregon State University programs to develop methods for growers increasing hazelnut productivity and sustainability Ferrero Hazelnut Company (Ferrero HCo), a division of global sweet-packaged food company the Ferrero Group, today expanded its investment in U.S.-grown hazelnuts with $340,000 in research grants: $180,000 to Oregon State University and $160,000 to Rutgers University. The grants, a part of Ferrero's commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients, will support the universities' collaborative efforts with local farmers, producers, and distributors, to advance sustainability and efficiency in the industry. Hazelnuts are an essential ingredient for Ferrero's well-loved brands like Ferrero Rocher®, the #1 premium chocolate brand in the U.S., and Nutella®, a power-brand that includes the leading spreads snack in the U.S. convenience channel, Nutella & Go®. As a versatile, premium ingredient, hazelnuts are in high demand during seasonal celebrations across North America, such as the upcoming winter holidays.  To ensure year-around availability, the company has diversified its hazelnut sourcing globally to support its rapid growth, especially in North America. "Our mission is to master the hazelnut value chain from end-to-end to create and deliver value in service of customers, brands, and products," said Tommaso de Gregorio, Head of Ferrero's Agri Competence Center. "This is particularly important in North America where we have invested billions of dollars in growth and innovation over the past decade." For years Ferrero has partnered with Oregon State University and the state's growers to foster and strengthen hazelnut cultivation in the Willamette Valley. Recently the company has doubled its hazelnut sourcing from the area and to date has donated over $760,000 to OSU agriculture programs. Ferrero's latest grant of $180,000 will support multiple ongoing projects including biological control of invasive species, diseases, and fungi as well as integrated weed management within orchards, all with the goal of reducing herbicide. "Our team at Rutgers is breeding trees resistant to the fungal disease Eastern Filbert Blight, which severely limits the production of hazelnuts in New Jersey and throughout the East Coast," said Thomas Molnar, Associate Professor in the Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. "With Ferrero's generous support, our program is helping to unlock hazelnut production in eastern North America while providing a means to combat this disease if it spreads to new regions of the world." In addition hazelnut cultivation, Ferrero Group has recently invested heavily in logistics, R&D, and manufacturing capabilities in North America. The company's multiple expansions to its manufacturing campuses in Bloomington, Illinois and Brantford, Ontario have created hundreds of new local jobs, and the company's first ever North American Innovation Center and R&D Labs opened in Chicago in 2023. Ferrero has other facilities across Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey and currently employs over 5,300 across the United States and Canada. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2576/australias-investment-in-agricultural-rd-has-reached-nearly-3-billion-in-2023-24.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2576/australias-investment-in-agricultural-rd-has-reached-nearly-3-billion-in-2023-24.html Mon, 18 Nov 2024 08:00:42 +0530 Total agricultural R&D funding has continued to increase gradually, from $2.91 billion in 2022-23 to $2.98 billion in 2023-24. Australia’s investment in agricultural research and development has reached almost $3 billion in 2023-24, the latest Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES) release has shown. This long-term commitment will lead to improvements in agricultural productivity, sustainability and modernisation. The private sector accounts for the largest growth in investment in the sector, with a nearly 5% annual growth rate from 2005-06. ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville, said ABARES’s latest data, Agricultural research and development (R&D) investment in Australia – 2023-24 update, found total agricultural R&D funding was increasing steadily, largely from the private sector. “Agricultural R&D investment is what underpins innovation in the sector, and the flow-on benefits for farmers are considerable. We know that every $1 invested in agricultural R&D, generates an almost $8 return for farmers over 10 years, which is a great incentive for the private sector to make these important investments,” Dr Greenville said. According to ABARES, total agricultural R&D funding has continued to increase gradually, from $2.91 billion in 2022-23 to $2.98 billion in 2023-24. “Overall, investment in agricultural R&D is increasing steadily, but we’ve seen the private sector just overtake the public sector as the main funder of agricultural R&D investment. There is a healthy mix of public and private R&D investment, reflecting a strong and robust innovation system with a good mix of long-term discovery research and practical commercialization of technology. Private sector investment has the advantage of focusing on commercializing new technologies, so it has far-reaching benefits for Australian farmers,” Dr Greenville said. Dr Greenville said the strength of Australia’s agricultural R&D system was underpinned by the rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs). “The RDCs are a unique investment partnership between industry and government, and their funding has grown steadily over the years as productivity has increased. Each RDC delivers tangible, practical improvements for their industries, particularly in terms of productivity and sustainability” added Dr Greenville. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2579/saudi-arabia-launches-grants-to-addresses-challenges-of-land-degradation-desertification-and-drought.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2579/saudi-arabia-launches-grants-to-addresses-challenges-of-land-degradation-desertification-and-drought.html Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:10:56 +0530 Launches Landmark Young Researchers Awards with $70,000 Prize fund to reward innovation and research  As part of Saudi Arabia's incoming UNCCD COP16 Presidency, the Kingdom has launched the Young Researchers Award at the COP16 Science Pavillion. The prestigious competition, with a total prize pool of $70,000, aims to accelerate groundbreaking research and innovative solutions addressing land degradation, drought and desertification and is open to students and young researchers from across the world. A total of seven awards of $10,000 each will be given to early-career researchers (up to age 35) who can demonstrate impactful contributions to key areas including sustainable land management, drought resilience, and land restoration. The seven award categories are land restoration, sustainable agri-food systems, equitable land governance, community and youth engagement, science, technology and innovation, resilience and climate adaptation, and finance and sustainable land investments. The awards will be presented at a high-profile event during UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh. Nominees will be flown to Saudi Arabia and provided five days of accommodation. Winners will also be given a unique opportunity to be mentored by leading experts. "Land degradation, drought and desertification are leading causes of many of the issues impacting people around the world, be it food insecurity, water insecurity or forced migration. COP16 in Riyadh is an opportunity to find urgent solutions, and help turn the tide on these global crises," said Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency.  The awards seek to accelerate research, innovation and technology that can help tackle land degradation, drought and desertification, and enhance global land restoration and drought resilience efforts. The international competition encourages applicants to demonstrate innovative approaches, long-term sustainability and scalability, and focus on how their work can benefit the Middle East. Submissions are open until November 22nd and will be evaluated by a dedicated scientific committee that includes leading experts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The awards come as Saudi Arabia seeks to accelerate global action on desertification, land degradation, and drought, which affect 3.2 billion people worldwide. With 40% of land already degraded according to the UNCCD, Saudi Arabia's incoming UNCCD Presidency is seeking to mobilize the international community at COP16 in Riyadh to deliver multilateral action on a range of pressing issues, including land restoration and drought resilience. The awards are part of a packed agenda taking place at the COP16 Science Pavilion, a hub aimed at showcasing cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders. The Pavilion will be part of the first ever Green Zone at a UNCCD COP. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2563/usaid-commits-57-million-and-beyond-to-drive-agricultural-innovation-globally.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2563/usaid-commits-57-million-and-beyond-to-drive-agricultural-innovation-globally.html Mon, 11 Nov 2024 08:51:41 +0530 To accelerate food security initiatives and advance novel climate-smart agricultural solutions The United States, through USAID, committed $57.4 million, working with Congress, to accelerate food security initiatives and advance novel climate-smart agricultural solutions to reduce global hunger, poverty, and undernutrition. Announced at the 2024 World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue in Iowa, more than $38 million will support Feed the Future – the U.S. government’s global hunger initiative - Innovation Labs. The Feed the Future Innovation Lab network, including two newly funded labs, will advance technology development and draw on the expertise of top U.S. universities and host country research institutions to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges in agriculture and food security. The Climate Resilient Sustainable Intensification lab, led by Kansas State University, will conduct research to develop and adapt technologies that increase agricultural productivity on less land with fewer environmental tradeoffs. At Washington State University, the Veterinary Vaccine Delivery lab will accelerate the development and deployment of cold-chain-independent vaccines for livestock. New investments in existing labs include World Coffee Research joining Cornell University to develop improved coffee varieties and the University of Florida partnering with the University of California, Davis to address poultry disease through advances in chicken breeding. Cornell, Purdue, and Michigan State Universities have been awarded extensions to continue work on climate resilient crops, food safety policies and regulations, and local food security policy, respectively. The remainder of the funding includes an award to accelerate the development and deployment of disease-resistant wheat varieties through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and CIMMYT; a contribution to the Global Crop Diversity Trust to increase the availability of adapted crops and seeds to meet the challenges of new pests and diseases, higher temperatures, less water, and soil degradation; and funding to non-profit Akademiya2063 to support African leadership on agriculture policy reform. Feed the Future has continued to deliver strong results, as demonstrated in this year’s newly launched Feed the Future Interagency Report. In the initiative’s first decade both hunger and poverty fell by 20 to 25 percent in areas of focus. In 2023 alone, Feed the Future worked with 6.2 million producers to apply improved agricultural practices on 4.5 million hectares of cropland and cultivated pasture. In addition, small and medium businesses and farmers accessed $1.4 billion in agriculture-related financing and leveraged $677 million in private-sector investment – double the level in fiscal year 2020 – resulting in record sales of more than $4.6 billion.  Building on this success, Feed the Future will continue to work with partner countries, donors, and both the public and private sector in the United States and abroad to accelerate transformational change. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2528/saudi-arabian-fund-for-development-sfd-commits-205-m-to-three-development-projects-in-partnership-with-saudi.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2528/saudi-arabian-fund-for-development-sfd-commits-205-m-to-three-development-projects-in-partnership-with-saudi.html Fri, 18 Oct 2024 11:31:40 +0530 Signed agriculture, education and energy sector development financing loan agreements with the Republic of Serbia  The Saudi Arabian Fund for Development (SFD) has signed three development financing loan agreements with the Republic of Serbia to provide $205 million in funding for major projects in the sectors of agriculture, education and energy. The partnership, the first of its kind with Serbia, aims to boost the country's long-term socio-economic growth. The agreements were signed by Sultan Almarshad, CEO of SFD, and Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Sinisa Mali, in a ceremony attended by Saudi Arabia's Deputy Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ali Aldossari. Commenting on the agreements, Mali said: "We are pleased to sign three important agreements with the Saudi Fund for Development, which is a solid first step following the memorandum of understanding we signed last year. We are very grateful for the support. The projects that will be funded with this funding are expected to contribute to the creation of new jobs, strengthen our economy and improve the status of the Republic of Serbia in the global scientific community. The agreements will also strengthen the long-term partnership between the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as contribute to the introduction and development of important projects in our country." The contract includes three projects: the “Strengthening Irrigation Infrastructure in Various Areas” project worth $75 million, the “Construction of Bio4 Campus in Belgrade” project worth $65 million , and the “Transmission System Development (Phase 1)” project worth $65 million . The first project will strengthen irrigation systems and improve water management in key agricultural areas by constructing new pumping stations, rehabilitating existing canals, and establishing a 230 km modern irrigation network. The project, which covers areas such as Novi Slankamen and Jasenicke Kapi, aims to significantly increase agricultural productivity and ensure efficient water distribution during dry periods. The second project will fund the construction of the Bio4 Campus in Belgrade, a pioneering scientific research center focused on biotechnology. The Bio4 Campus will be located at the University of Belgrade and will include six faculties, nine scientific institutes and state-of-the-art laboratories, including a biosafety level 3 laboratory. The center is designed to bring together researchers, scientists and experts in fields such as biology, medicine and wastewater research to foster interdisciplinary innovation and collaboration. The third project will expand Serbia's energy infrastructure by building new 400 kV transmission lines and upgrading existing substations, improving the reliability of electricity supplies in Serbia and integrating the country into the European electricity market through the Transbalkan Power Corridor. Commenting on the agreement, Sultan Almarshad, CEO of SFD, said: "Supporting sustainable development through strategic financing of infrastructure and education is at the core of our mission. Our partnership with Serbia is part of our commitment to fostering innovation, improving agricultural productivity and strengthening energy security, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The projects we are funding will deliver long-term benefits to the Serbian people and contribute to the country's socio-economic development." SFD is committed to promoting sustainable development around the world. As the official development arm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, SFD has committed a total of $20 billion worth of funding to over 800 projects in over 100 countries. In 2024, SFD will celebrate 50 years of promoting global development and has recently expanded its support to 11 new countries, including Serbia. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2512/novo-holdings-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-stingray-marine-solutions-a-leading-provider-of-aquaculture-technology.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2512/novo-holdings-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-stingray-marine-solutions-a-leading-provider-of-aquaculture-technology.html Fri, 11 Oct 2024 11:01:51 +0530 Advanced solutions for a more sustainable fish farming industry Novo Holdings announced that it has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Stingray Marine Solutions, a market-leading aquaculture technology company that provides advanced solutions for a more sustainable fish farming industry. Stingray Marine Solutions (Stingray), founded in 2012 and headquartered in Oslo, Norway, specialises in intelligent aquaculture technology aimed at increasing sustainable salmon production. The company's product, the Stingray system, utilises a combination of camera vision, advanced proprietary software, and laser technology to remove sea lice from fish in a humane and efficient manner. This system not only improves fish health and welfare but also enhances operational efficiency for fish farmers by reducing the need for manual handling of the fish and the associated mortality. Sea lice are the key driver of salmon health issues, directly or indirectly costing fish farmers €6–7 billion annually. However, traditional treatment methods have proven insufficient, harmful for the fish and are reducing growth. Stingray's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its focus on operating in harmony with nature, offering solutions that align with environmental protection while ensuring high-quality fish production. The acquisition of Stingray marks Novo Holdings' Planetary Health Investments team's first investment in aquaculture technology, which has become a new strategic priority for Novo Holdings' Planetary Health Investments team due to its growth prospects, innovation potential and expected impact on planetary health. Novo Holdings' Planetary Health Investments team spans three continents (Europe, North America and Asia), and invests in areas where science and technology can deliver returns while tackling global challenges, including feeding a growing world population, fighting climate change and drought, or creating sustainable cities. Planetary Health Investments is also committed to investing in Green Tech scaling – tested solutions that can be scaled up relatively quickly – to amplify the meaningful impact of innovative and sustainable technological solutions for the benefit of people and the planet. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2511/usda-invests-9-m-in-10-organizations-nationwide-to-support-urban-agriculture-and-innovative-production.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2511/usda-invests-9-m-in-10-organizations-nationwide-to-support-urban-agriculture-and-innovative-production.html Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:35:29 +0530 This partnership with T.I.M..E is part of a $40 million investment made possible by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing nearly $9 million in funding to local organizations to provide outreach, education and technical assistance to urban agricultural producers in ten U.S. cities. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is partnering with To Improve Mississippi Economics (T.I.M.E.) to administer an urban farm outreach program offering subawards to community groups that work with producers in cities where FSA has established Urban County Committees.  “Working with T.I.M.E. to fund organizations providing on-the-ground support to urban producers is an important step in fulfilling our commitment to the health and sustainability of our communities and building resilient local food systems,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux, “Through T.I.M.E.’s expanded outreach efforts, made possible through USDA funding, we can now connect producers to our Urban USDA Service Centers and broaden the impact of our Urban County Committees and the federal farm programs we offer.” The T.I.M.E. partnership is part of a broad USDA investment in urban agriculture and innovative production. Other efforts include: Establishing 17 new Urban Service Centers staffed by FSA and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) employees to better serve urban producers. Organizing 27 FSA urban county committees to make important decisions about how FSA farm programs are administered locally. Urban farmers who participate in USDA programs in the areas selected are encouraged to participate by nominating and voting for county committee members. Investing $5.2 million for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) competitive grants in fiscal year 2024 Administering the People’s Garden Initiative, which celebrates collaborative gardens across the country and worldwide that benefit their communities by growing fresh, healthy food and supporting resilient, local food systems using sustainable practices and providing greenspace.      Creating and managing a Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production to advise the Secretary on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban agriculture.       Providing cooperative agreements that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans.   Investing in risk management education to broaden the reach of crop insurance among urban and innovative producers.     Partnering with the Vermont Law and Graduate School Center for Agriculture and Food Systems to develop resources that help growers understand and work through local policies.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2506/australia-strengthens-grape-and-wine-sector-with.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2506/australia-strengthens-grape-and-wine-sector-with.html Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:30:38 +0530 Five new directors appointed for Wine Australia board The Australian Government has appointed five new directors to the non-executive board representing the interests of the Australian wine industry. Wine Australia invests in research, development and extension, covering issues of national importance for the local wine industry. Directors work to ensure compliance with Wine Australia’s regulatory functions by investing in research and development, building markets and disseminating market information and knowledge. New directors are serving a three-year term effective from 1 October 2024.  Dr Angeline Achariya, Victoria Ms Roslyn Baker, Queensland Mr Andrew Kay, South Australia Ms Elizabeth Riley, New South Wales Ms Peta Slack-Smith, Victoria. Australia’s grape and wine sector thrive and is delivering a multimillion-dollar package to boost the sector’s long-term viability. The Government’s $3.5 million Grape and Wine Sector Long-Term Viability Package includes an independent impact analysis led by Dr Craig Emerson concerning fair trading, competitive relationships, contracting practices and risk allocation in the sector. Public consultation for the analysis is now open. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP said, “The new Wine Australia directors are suitably qualified and together possess a wealth of skills, expertise and board experience.They will help foster and encourage profitable, resilient and sustainable Australian wine grape and wine businesses. Wine Australia is well positioned to continue supporting a competitive wine sector, growing domestic and international markets and protecting the reputation of Australian wine, thanks in great measure to the contributions of the outgoing board members.”  Government is encouraging stakeholders from across Australia’s grape and wine industry to share their views as part of a multimillion-dollar package to boost the sector’s long-term viability. Feedback on existing regulation in the sector is being sought through the independent impact analysis of the grape and wine sector’s current rules concerning fair trading, competitive relationships, contracting practices and risk allocation.  In August the Government announced the appointment of Dr Craig Emerson to undertake this analysis, as part of the Government’s $3.5 million Grape and Wine Sector Long-Term Viability Package. Feedback collected from the consultation will inform advice about whether existing regulation could be made more effective, or if additional regulatory or other interventions are warranted to improve the grape and wine market. The analysis will provide recommendations to the Government to support the industry’s long-term sustainability.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2499/australias-victorian-farmers-welcome-green-drought-support.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2499/australias-victorian-farmers-welcome-green-drought-support.html Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:22:46 +0530 Funding package would be used to help give farmers the tools needed to respond to the current dry conditions and comes after sustained advocacy by local farmers Victorian Government announces drought funding assistance for South West farmers amidst record-breaking dry conditions.  VFF President Emma Germano said the $13.53 million funding package would be used to help give farmers the tools needed to respond to the current dry conditions and comes after sustained advocacy by local farmers and the VFF.  “Parts of the South West are the driest on record and I would like to thank Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence for listening to farmers and lending a helping hand. For many months as this green drought has lingered the VFF has been hearing from local farmers and relaying this information back to the government. It’s encouraging to see some action to help those doing it tough. This is a sensible and proportionate response by the government and comes in addition to existing supports such as the Farm Household Allowance and Regional Investment Corporation loans.”   “The VFF’s priority has been to see the immediate needs of farmers particularly around mental health and business advice being addressed. We know during times of drought, the financial, emotional and mental health burden on farmers and local communities is immense. It’s important that farmers know these services are there to help them and that they are comfortable in reaching out,” Germano said.  Eligible farmers in the South West will receive up to $5,000 as a co-contribution grant to support water infrastructure upgrades to pipes, tanks, troughs, dams, stock containment areas, and grain and fodder storage.   Ms Germano said these grants would support immediate and long-term needs of farmers.  Germano added the VFF will continue to monitor conditions state-wide and communicate information back to the government.  “Farmers know the land better than anyone and that’s why targeted funding to support water infrastructure upgrades is so important. It gives farmers the ability to better prepare their farm for immediate challenges and for future drought conditions. I would encourage eligible farmers to apply for the support and learn more on the Agriculture Victoria website. We will be closely monitoring conditions throughout Victoria to help ensure the government is tuned into the issues on the ground”    ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2487/fourth-annual-seeding-the-future-global-food-system-challenge-awarding-1m-to-food-innovators-to-open-november-1-2024.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2487/fourth-annual-seeding-the-future-global-food-system-challenge-awarding-1m-to-food-innovators-to-open-november-1-2024.html Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:10:34 +0530 Aims to inspire and reward teams of innovators who are creating impactful ideas that address key issues facing food systems globally The Seeding The Future Foundation and Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) are proud to announce the return of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge, which awards $1 million every year to scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and multidisciplinary teams across non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profits, social enterprises, universities, research institutions, and small and emerging for-profit enterprises for their innovations that will help transform food systems globally. Since its inception three years ago, the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge, hosted by IFT and initiated and funded by the Seeding The Future Foundation, has attracted over 2,400 submissions. Each year the Challenge provides three levels of awards: Up to two Grand Prize winners (each receiving $250,000) Up to three Growth Grant winners (each receiving $100,000) Up to eight Seed Grant winners (each receiving $25,000) Winners are selected based on their food system innovations being doable, having projected economic feasibility at scale and high-impact potential to improve the lives and health of people and the environment. “Science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship are key pillars to transform food systems on a global level and the need for climate-positive and human-centered food solutions becomes more urgent every year,” said Seeding The Future Foundation founder Bernhard van Lengerich. “The purpose of the Challenge is to inspire and reward teams of innovators who are creating impactful ideas that address key issues facing food systems globally. Solutions with the highest likelihood to win are those that focus on the intersection of safe and nutritious food, sustainable practices, and equitable access to food that is affordable, attractive and trusted.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2479/australia-to-strengthen-information-system-to-support-regional-tomato-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2479/australia-to-strengthen-information-system-to-support-regional-tomato-industry.html Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:33:17 +0530 Working towards biosecurity response to the detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus under the national Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. The Australian Government is working closely with the South Australian Government to support tomato industry workers who were halted due to the impacts of tomato brown rugose fruit virus, and their financial wellbeing is a top priority at this difficult time. South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions is responsible for leading the biosecurity response to the detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus under the national Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. The Australian Government continues to provide support to state and territory governments and domestic industries, and to engage with trading partners to minimise its impact. Minister for Government Services Mr. Bill Shorten said Minister for Government Services Mr. Bill Shorten said quarantined workers would have access to individualized information about government payments and services. “Services Australia has stepped in quickly to provide priority access to its specialist Financial Information Services (FIS) Officers, who can provide comprehensive information on termination payments, superannuation and Centrelink payments,” Minister Shorten said.  “They’ll be working hand-in-hand with the South Australian state government’s taskforce to help these workers through their next steps. While this is an evolving situation, the bottom line is that workers impacted should take advantage of the support available through Services Australia. This includes income support payments such as Job Seeker may be available, but individual circumstances can impact on eligibility, which is why tailored assistance can be so valuable.” Services Australia also provides comprehensive services for those that do not speak English as a first language, including free interpreting and translation services in over 200 languages. Additionally, Pacific and Timor-Leste workers engaged under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme will also receive assistance under Services Australia.  The PALM scheme settings require approved employers to have contingency plans in place for unforeseen circumstances. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) to initiate contingency arrangements including redeployment of impacted PALM workers to ensure that they continue to achieve the benefits of participating in the PALM scheme.   ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2467/vietnam-rubber-company-huy-anh-rubber-co-ltd-strengthens-its-eu-market-presence-with-sustainable-rubber-production.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2467/vietnam-rubber-company-huy-anh-rubber-co-ltd-strengthens-its-eu-market-presence-with-sustainable-rubber-production.html Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:50:09 +0530 Partners with KOLTIVA to achieve EUDR Compliance with sustainability and zero deforestation in commodities Huy Anh Rubber Co., Ltd., a key player in Vietnam’s rubber sector, has partnered with KOLTIVA , a leading company in supply chain traceability and sustainable agriculture. This collaboration reinforces Vietnam’s commitment to sustainability and zero deforestation in EUDR-related commodities. As Vietnam strengthens its leadership in the global rubber industry, the EUDR encourages companies like Huy Anh Rubber to adopt enhanced compliance measures, reflecting the country’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development. Natural rubber production in Vietnam has experienced considerable growth since 1961. Vietnam is the world’s third largest rubber exporter, contributing approximately 8.7% of global rubber production (The Investor Vietnam, 2023). In 2021, Vietnam produced 1.3 million metric tons of rubber, with 70% of that used by the tire industry (Statista, 2024). Rubber also supports industries such as automotive parts and medical equipment. Vietnam’s rubber sector is committed to maintaining access to the EU market by complying with EUDR requirements, which motivates companies to follow suit. Huy Anh Rubber, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam, operates three processing plants—two in Vietnam and one in Laos—where it produces high-quality natural rubber products such as SVR10/TSR10, TSR20, RSS3, SVR3L, SVRCV60, masticated rubber, and compound rubber. With the demand for sustainable rubber products growing, Huy Anh is significantly expanding its cultivation area, with projections to increase from 3,000 hectares in 2024 to 15,000 hectares by 2025. Huy Anh has engaged KOLTIVA to achieve EUDR compliance. KOLTIVA’s EUDR solutions help companies navigate the complexities of the regulation. Through this collaboration, Huy Anh aims to enhance the transparency of its supply chain, ensuring that products are sustainable and deforestation-free. As part of the farmer and farm mapping process, KOLTIVA trains Huy Anh field agents to map approximately 10,000 smallholder farmers within processors’ supply chains using the KoltiTrace MIS mobile app. These field agents conduct comprehensive farm and risk assessments, ensuring a detailed understanding of the risks associated with the agricultural landscape. KoltiTrace MIS supports traceable transaction data from planting to processing, ensuring reproducible data with detailed source information, including farm data collection, producer profiles, and verified transactions. KoltiTrace MIS is critical for verifying deforestation and legality, using up-to-date Sentinel satellite data and protected area maps for compliance checks. It automatically generates Due Diligence Statements and GeoJSON polygons, simplifying EUDR data requirements for Huy Anh. Starting in September 2024, Huy Anh will offer EUDR-compliant rubber, ensuring that EU customers receive products that meet the highest environmental standards. This will enable them to provide the best products with the highest marketability, while opening up new opportunities in the EU market, where consumers and businesses are prioritizing environmental sustainability. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2445/horticulture-new-zealand-calls-for-sector-to-be-included-in-emissions-reduction-plan.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2445/horticulture-new-zealand-calls-for-sector-to-be-included-in-emissions-reduction-plan.html Fri, 13 Sep 2024 01:10:41 +0530 HortNZ urges the Government to commit to doubling the horticulture sector’s value by 2035 Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) is urging the Government to incorporate the horticulture sector into its second Emissions Reduction Plan. The current plan, outlining actions to reduce emissions between 2026 and 2030, makes no mention of horticulture, fruits, or vegetables.  “It is concerning that the Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP2) overlooks horticulture entirely. The sector is crucial for meeting emissions reduction targets and supporting land-use change to horticulture is one of the many solutions New Zealand should be leveraging. Horticulture is already a low-emissions land use that provides food for New Zealanders and the global market, contributing $7.48 billion in value across domestic and export markets. This is achieved on less than 0.1% of New Zealand's land area while accounting for only 1.1% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. To ensure a low-risk pathway to net-zero, the Government should develop a diverse portfolio of emissions reduction policies, rather than relying heavily on a few uncertain technological advances" explains Michelle Sands, acting chief executive of HortNZ. The Climate Change Commission has included 14,000 hectares of land use to horticulture in its demonstration path to meet the second emissions budget. HortNZ wants ERP2 to include clear policy direction supporting this transition. This should involve recognising diversification into horticulture as a key policy and elevating 'enabling the supply of fresh fruits and vegetables' to a matter of national importance under the Resource Management Act (RMA) and its replacement legislation. Additionally, ERP2 include the policy aim to establish a national framework for commercial vegetable production to address the challenges posed by unworkable regional regulations. With the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) Fund officially disestablished under ERP2, HortNZ is also calling for the creation of a new fund to reinvest Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) proceeds into greenhouse decarbonisation. “There is an urgent need for policy mechanisms that facilitate horticultural expansion as a strategy for low-emissions food production, and that provide resources for the sector to further decarbonise. HortNZ urges the Government to commit to doubling the horticulture sector’s value by 2035 as part of its emissions reduction strategy, aligning with the goals of the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan, a strategy co-owned by government, industry, science, and Māori” adds Sands. Horticulture New Zealand represents the interests of approximately 4,500+ commercial fruit and vegetable growers across the country, who produce around 100 different fruit and vegetables. The horticultural sector supports over 40,000 jobs. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2397/australia-grants-3-5-m-to-review-wine-and-grape-sectors-regulatory-options-for-fair-trading.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2397/australia-grants-3-5-m-to-review-wine-and-grape-sectors-regulatory-options-for-fair-trading.html Fri, 23 Aug 2024 11:02:59 +0530 Dr Craig Emerson has been appointed to lead an independent impact analysis Australia's wine and grape sector has appointed Dr Craig Emerson to lead an independent impact analysis of the industry's regulatory options concerning fair trading, competitive relationships, contracting practices, and risk allocation. Australia’s wine industry is made up of over 2,000 wineries and 6,000 grape growers, across 65 wine regions. This independent analysis is part of the $3.5 million support package announced by the Government in June, to be delivered by Wine Australia, to support the long-term viability of the sector.  This independent analysis follows concerns raised by the grape and wine sector in the Food and Grocery Code Review, and through consultations undertaken by the Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group.  Dr Emerson’s report will examine whether there is market failure in the grape and wine sector and provide advice about regulatory or other interventions. Grape growers, wine makers and retailers will be invited to have their say on this important issue. Information on how to participate will be shared through Wine Australia and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in the coming weeks. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said “Government has worked hard for the industry to open new markets for trade diversification like India, the United Kingdom, Thailand and the reopening of China. While the reopening of the China market is a great step forward for the industry, there is still work to be done in response to the oversupply of wine and to understand the general trading environment for grape growers and wine makers. Following the completion of the analysis, the Australian Government will consider Dr Emerson’s recommendations to ensure a fair and functioning wine, grape and retail market.”  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2073/philippines-evaluates-rice-tariffication-law-to-optimize-farming-and-agribusiness-potential.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2073/philippines-evaluates-rice-tariffication-law-to-optimize-farming-and-agribusiness-potential.html Thu, 22 Aug 2024 09:16:11 +0530 Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. proposes allocation of funds exceeding P10 billion for the initiative Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. supports the proposed extension of the Rice Tariffication Law subject to modifications that will ensure optimum impact on modernizing agriculture, enhancing farm productivity and improving rice farmers’ competitiveness and income. The agri chief said one of the adjustments he wants is the allocation of funds exceeding P10 billion to be set aside for farm and other inputs. Last year, total tariff collection reached P29 billion, he noted. The DA chief said the allocation for improving farmers’ competitiveness should be increased. Projects to be funded should include postharvest facilities that could significantly increase rice recovery for every kilo of palay by as much as 15 percent. This is also envisioned to lower import volumes, he added.  Republic Act 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Act, effectively deregulated the rice industry by removing the power of the National Food Authority to trade in the national food staple. It also limited its function to ensure buffer stocks for calamities and disasters.  The law, however, appropriated tariffs paid by private rice importers to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, or Rice Fund, with P10 billion set aside for mechanization and farm input support. The balance is distributed to small rice farmers as financial assistance that expires next year. The US Department of Agriculture has lowered the estimated rice import of the Philippines this year to 3.9 million metric tons, down from the initial 4.1 million project, after the Philippine Statistics Authority forecasted higher rice output in the first quarter. Aside from a higher Rice Fund budget for mechanization and postharvest facilities,  the agri chief said the new law should allow for annual review on fund allocation to maximize farm productivity. In earlier discussions with DA officials, Sec. Tiu Laurel also noted the need to allow DA or NFA to regain its ability to influence rice prices in the market and not be limited to buying rice from local farmers for buffer stocking. Until the passage of the law in 2019, the NFA is allowed to import rice and sells them through authorized dealers to influence the market price of rice—a commodity that weighs heavily in the consumer basket that determines inflation.  High prices of rice has kept inflation elevated and officials expect the situation to linger until July, keeping the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from lowering interest rates ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2388/australia-strengthens-biosecurity-against-avian-influenza-hpai-with-over-7-m-investment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2388/australia-strengthens-biosecurity-against-avian-influenza-hpai-with-over-7-m-investment.html Mon, 19 Aug 2024 11:00:44 +0530 Australia remains the only continent free of H5 HPAI, specifically clade 2.3.4.4b, which continues to spread across the globe Australia has begun a national exercise to test its preparedness for an incursion of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). In an effort to strengthen national preparedness for H5 HPAI, a series of three scenario-based discussion-based simulation exercises centered around high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), titled ‘Exercise Volare’, will be held from 15 August to 30 September 2024.  Australia has already invested an extra $7 Million to focus on the threat posed by a potential incursion of H5 HPAI. The new initiative will involve activities focused on detection of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) clade 2.3.4.4b in Australian wildlife. Biosecurity details regarding the September activity will be provided to key stakeholders as part of a shared responsibility.  Australia remains the only continent free of H5 HPAI, specifically clade 2.3.4.4b, which continues to spread across the globe. Exercise Volare will be delivered in three parts and will address potential effects on public health if H5 HPAI is detected in animal populations in Australia, primarily in wild birds and mammals. Exercise Volare will improve preparedness of agriculture, environment, health portfolios, sector-specific stakeholders, and other agencies to manage future HPAI incursions, as well as inform management of HPAI across wildlife, industry, and health. By involving government agencies across all jurisdictions as primary response agencies, such cross-sectoral biosecurity threats can be addressed with greater collaboration between portfolios.   Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP said, “Exercises like this are an established part of bolstering Australia’s preparedness and capability to respond to biosecurity emergencies such as HPAI outbreaks. Exercise Volare will help us identify the strengths in our established response mechanisms and opportunities to further strengthen national preparedness and response capability. It will also reinforce that biosecurity is a shared responsibility and that all of us have a role to play in addressing the challenges presented by exotic diseases.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2375/australian-vietnamese-collaborations-secure-1-45-m-to-advance-agricultural-innovation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2375/australian-vietnamese-collaborations-secure-1-45-m-to-advance-agricultural-innovation.html Wed, 14 Aug 2024 11:18:25 +0530 Three year Project under the Aus4Innovation programme of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency The Australian university sector and Vietnam's innovation ecosystem have been granted an A$1.45 million ($944,000) boost through the Australian government's Aus4Innovation programme to develop technological solutions that support sustainable agricultural practices in Vietnam. Managed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, the Aus4Innovation programme announced funding for three projects on August 1 that aim to address the complexities of modern agriculture through the use of high-tech solutions. The impact of these projects will enhance agricultural productivity, include market development for agricultural outputs, and address efforts for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Kim Wimbush, CSIRO counsellor to Vietnam and director of the Aus4Innovation Programme, said, "The projects will use AI for carbon farming, geospatial technology to provide real-time crop data, and digital traceability and certification to enable more sustainable farming. Advancing technological solutions for local farmers in Vietnam by working with farmers, industry, and research institutes will build enduring capacity and skills to help reshape Vietnam’s agriculture practices. These projects will not only have an impact on individual smallholder farmers, but shape the sector through adoption of these solutions more broadly". Partnering Griffith University and the University of Southern Queensland with the innovation ecosystem in Vietnam means the universities can test products at scale and speed in a unique market and bring the successful techniques back to the Australian agricultural sector. Recipients of the Aus4Innovation Partnership Grants also benefit from CSIRO’s support through connections to its network of innovators and industry partners, guidance on gender and disability responsiveness and social inclusivity, and access to partnership brokering experts. This will help to ensure the success of projects and fortify the collaboration between Australian and Vietnamese entities within each project. Three projects will be funded through this round of partnership grants. First is improving crop monitoring and access to information by smallholder farmers and government decision-makers in Vietnam. As a collaboration between the University of Southern Queensland and the Vietnam National Space Center, this initiative will harness geospatial technologies to provide vital crop information, aiming to boost productivity. Second is proactive carbon farming with AI and digital twins for sustainable agriculture in Thanh Hoa province. Griffith University and Hanoi University of Science & Technology will develop an AI-driven platform to better quantify greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon farming, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and revenue opportunities through carbon credits. Third is empowering smallholder farmers through AI-powered certification and traceability for sustainable agriculture. Griffith University is partnering Vietnam’s Commission of Standard, Metrology, and Quality on this project aim to elevate standards in agriculture through an AI and digitalisation system that ensures effective farm monitoring and product traceability. The Aus4Innovation Programme is a 10-year, $21.8 million flagship initiative lasting to 2028, aimed at strengthening Vietnam’s innovation system to support inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development. The programme is funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, co-funded and managed by CSIRO, and delivered in a strategic partnership with Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2368/australian-farm-institute-afi-receives-638000-grant-to-support-international-collaboration-on-sustainable-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2368/australian-farm-institute-afi-receives-638000-grant-to-support-international-collaboration-on-sustainable-agriculture.html Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:14:43 +0530 Address climate change and support sustainable production Australian Farm Institute (AFI) has been awarded a $638,000 grant to support international collaboration on sustainable agriculture. The grant will support advocacy towards sustainable agriculture trade standards and guidelines development that recognise Australian conditions and are consistent with the Australian Government’s commitment to address climate change and support sustainable production. Focusing on evidence-based sustainable agricultural practices, systems and standards will enhance sustainable productivity, support food security and minimise environmental impacts. AFI will partner with other members of the Global Forum on Farm Policy and Innovation (GFFPI) engaging in collaborative research and outreach efforts progressing evidence-based sustainability approaches internationally . AFI will also work with our Southeast Asian partners to share this knowledge and understanding to support sustainable agricultural practices in the region. Deputy Secretary of the Agricultural Trade and Regulation Group, Tina Hutchison, emphasised the importance of the grant in strengthening relationships with trading partners. “Australia has a lot to offer Southeast Asian partners through trade, investment and a shared commitment to sustainable agriculture to meet the growing food needs across our region. “This initiative will boost collaboration and engagement between Australia and Southeast Asia in this vital area to support long-term sustainable agricultural development. “Australia’s prosperity and security are closely linked to the prosperity and security of our neighbours, so it’s important we work together to support a strong future for all.”  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2349/philippines-allocates-p350-m-in-budget-for-asf-vaccine-procurement.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2349/philippines-allocates-p350-m-in-budget-for-asf-vaccine-procurement.html Fri, 02 Aug 2024 11:15:12 +0530 Disbursement of the funds is contingent upon the approval and registration of the vaccines by the Food and Drug Administration Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P350 million for the procurement of vaccines to combat African Swine Fever (ASF), a persistent endemic virus that has severely undermined hog production and food security since 2019. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the disbursement of the funds is contingent upon the approval and registration of the vaccines by the Food and Drug Administration, an agency under the Department of Health. The vaccines, including those from Vietnam, will soon undergo controlled rollout that will be administered by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Following a directive issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in April, the DA, Department of Health, Food and Drugs Administration, and BAI have signed in early June an agreement to streamline the application process for manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of ASF vaccines. The streamlined process is expected to expedite the approval and subsequent rollout of vaccines critical to combating the ASF outbreak. Despite concerted efforts, the swine industry continues to face challenges in recovering from ASF, which first emerged in 2019. While ASF does not pose a threat to human health, its impact on hogs is devastating, with a single infection capable of wiping out an entire drove. Recent data indicate a decline in the hog population from 12.7 million in 2018 to 9.9 million as of September 2023. As of July 26, 2024, BAI’s ASF monitoring efforts have identified active cases in 45 municipalities across 18 provinces nationwide, highlighting the ongoing challenge. BAI is currently finalizing guidelines in collaboration with agricultural and veterinary stakeholders for the controlled use of ASF vaccines. Public consultations will follow to ensure the guidelines are comprehensive and effectively implemented. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2344/grdc-invests-35m-to-drive-machine-automation-and-intelligent-technology-for-grain-growers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2344/grdc-invests-35m-to-drive-machine-automation-and-intelligent-technology-for-grain-growers.html Thu, 01 Aug 2024 12:16:10 +0530 An innovative, new $35 million, five-year investment to accelerate the adoption of machine automation and digital, intelligence technologies by Australian grain growers has been launched by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart launched the Grain Automate initiative last night (Thursday, 25 July) at the Innovation Generation 2024 conference on Queensland’s Gold Coast. This GRDC future-focused initiative will include a portfolio of up to 30 new research, development and extension (RD&E) investments complementing GRDC’s dynamic research in ag tech, precision agriculture, digital agronomy and advanced analytics. The decision by GRDC to invest in this progressive space on behalf of Australian grain growers comes amidst projections that the global market for autonomy and intelligent systems will reach $272 billion by 2027. initiative would focus on three primary programs: Program one: Paving the way for autonomy which aims to ensure growers have the training, knowledge, skills and infrastructure to integrate fully autonomous machine capabilities within their farming systems. Program two: Targeted technology development which will optimise existing and emerging technology for machine automation and autonomy and adapt or improve them to meet the requirements of Australian grain growers and their cropping systems. Program three: Building intelligent systems which will leverage machine automation and autonomy against other innovations - on-farm and pre- and post-farm gate - to extract the maximum possible long-term value for Australian grain growers. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2312/australia-invest-1-m-to-fuels-sesame-industry-growth.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2312/australia-invest-1-m-to-fuels-sesame-industry-growth.html Fri, 26 Jul 2024 08:34:52 +0530 The Queensland Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a thriving sesame industry in the state’s north-west with $1 million earmarked to drive industry development. Sesame emerged as the most promising crop for growth and diversification in the region from a comprehensive consultancy commissioned in 2018 under the North-West Queensland Economic Development Strategy. Subsequent market analysis in 2022 emphasised the global demand for sesame, positioning Australian-grown sesame favourably in both domestic and international markets. The absence of commercial-scale sesame cultivation in Australia posed a challenge, despite significant research funding from federal and state-based agencies. To address this gap, the Queensland Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Australian Sesame Industry Development Association (ASIDA) to drive commercial-scale sesame production. The North-West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy Implementation Plan to 2025 encompasses importing suitable genetics, supply chain enhancement, and market development. Realising these key components necessitates the establishment of commercial-scale sesame production and boosting grower confidence in both the crop and supply-chain logistics. DAF Executive Director, Agribusiness and Policy, Elton Miller said "The humble sesame seed is poised to transform agriculture in North-West Queensland, and with this latest round of funding, we look forward to seeing the industry grow and diversify. Market analysis highlights a growing global demand for sesame, positioning Australian-grown sesame favorably for both domestic and international markets. Under the North-West Queensland Economic Development Strategy, sesame has emerged as a key crop for regional growth and diversification." Australian Sesame Industry Development Association (ASIDA) Chair Daniel Weinstock said, " We are uniquely positioned to foster industry development in this key growth sector and the strategic partnership between the Queensland Government and ASIDA aims to establish commercial-scale sesame production and enhance grower confidence." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2307/australias-grdc-announces-17m-project-to-unlock-enhanced-efficiency-fertiliser-potential.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2307/australias-grdc-announces-17m-project-to-unlock-enhanced-efficiency-fertiliser-potential.html Fri, 19 Jul 2024 10:36:41 +0530 Aim to reduce the risk of nitrogen loss by better synchronising the supply of fertiliser to the demands of the crop Australian grain growers could unlock tools to improve nitrogen use efficiency and reduce on-farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through a national research project examining enhanced efficiency fertilisers (EEFs). EEFs use chemical or physical approaches to regulate the release of nitrogen and its availability to plants. They aim to reduce the risk of nitrogen loss by better synchronising the supply of fertiliser to the demands of the crop. The four-year, $17.33M project is a co-investment of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and will be led by the University of Melbourne alongside several research organisations and industry partners. The project Enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilisers in the grains industry: an opportunity to reduce GHG emissions and increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) will run for four years, with results anticipated to be available to growers from 2028. GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart says the strategic investment had been developed in response to grain grower needs with managing input costs and sustainability front of mind for the industry. “As an organisation investing on behalf of Australian grain growers, we are keenly aware of the pressures our sector is facing from high input costs, particularly for nitrogen. There is a very real need to ensure we are using the most efficient fertilisers in the most efficient way,” Mr Hart says. Project lead Associate Professor Helen Suter from the University of Melbourne says a number of EEF technologies are commercially available but relatively little is known about their efficacy in different climates and agroecosystems, and their economic and environmental benefits to the grains industry. “Growers are looking for recommendations of what technologies work where, when, why and how, to make informed decisions about their nitrogen management strategies. The project will establish a network of field trials across Australia in representative soils and cropping systems, where commercially available EEF technologies will be evaluated alongside conventional nitrogen fertilisers. These technologies include urease inhibitors (to reduce ammonia loss), nitrification inhibitors (to reduce nitrous oxide, nitrogen and leaching loss), dual (urease and nitrification) inhibitors and controlled release fertilisers (both targeting all loss pathways)" A/Prof Suter says. Controlled-environment studies will complement the field-based activities, allowing a mechanistic understanding of soil nitrogen cycling and loss pathways, and will support modelling activities aimed at quantifying the environmental impact and potential nitrogen use efficiency gains associated with the use of EEFs across the grains industry. The EEFs trialled will target key nitrogen loss mechanisms (denitrification, nitrate leaching, volatilisation) in different cropping regions and quantify crop nitrogen uptake to determine nitrogen use efficiency and return on investment. The fate of nitrogen will be tracked in soils and plants using nitrogen-15 stable isotope labelled fertilisers. Project research partners include the University of Melbourne, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Western Australia, University of Queensland, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, CSIRO, Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, La Trobe University, Birchip Cropping Group and Hart Field Site Group. Industry partners include CSBP Limited, Incitec Pivot Fertilisers, Nutrien Ag Solutions, N-Shield and Fertiliser Australia. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2306/indonesia-emphasizes-the-significance-of-smallholders-in-the-palm-oil-industry-supply-chain.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2306/indonesia-emphasizes-the-significance-of-smallholders-in-the-palm-oil-industry-supply-chain.html Fri, 19 Jul 2024 10:23:09 +0530 Major palm oil companies, such as Asian Agri, have long been committed to addressing smallholders concerns like certifications costs, audits, and workforce training. Smallholders play an essential role in the palm oil industry supply chain as Indonesia is the world leader in crude palm oil (CPO) production and exports. Apart from contributing significantly to the country's economy, smallholders play a crucial role in maintaining the palm oil industry. Data from the Indonesian Palm Oil Statistics 2022, provided by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), reveals that out of the approximately 16.83 million hectares of total oil palm plantations in Indonesia, 6.21 million hectares or 40.51% are owned by smallholders. Private plantations cover 8.58 million hectares (55.92%), while the remaining 0.55 million hectares (3.57%) are under large state-owned plantations. A significant portion of oil palm produced by smallholder plantations is often sold on a small scale because they lack legal registration. Key challenges include land ownership regulations, bureaucratic obstacles creating legal uncertainty, and limited access to resources and financing, impeding the adoption of sustainable practices. Asian Agri actively supports its smallholders in obtaining certifications, addressing documentation costs, audits, and workforce training. The managers of smallholder oil palm plantations fall into two categories: scheme smallholders, who have contractual ties or credit agreements with palm oil mills, and independent smallholders, lacking such connections in selling their fresh fruit bunches. According to the Plantation Statistics Book 2021-2022, around 2.5 million smallholders are engaged in oil palm cultivation in Indonesia, comprising both scheme and independent smallholders. Airlangga Hartarto, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, acknowledges that despite their substantial land contributions, smallholder plantations yield less compared to those of private companies and state-owned enterprises. Major palm oil companies, such as Asian Agri, have long been committed to addressing these challenges. The company partnered with more than 300,000 smallholders covering more than 100,000 hectares of plantation. Currently, Asian Agri manages 30 plantations, 22 palm oil mills, 1 kernel crushing plants, and 11 Biogas plants. In 2022, Asian Agri launched the Asian Agri 2030 initiative, dedicated to ensuring sustainable oil palm cultivation through partnerships, suppliers, and employee engagement. The initiative aims to protect the environment, forests, ecosystems, wildlife, and communities, including the welfare of smallholders who, by 2030, are projected to account for 60% of Indonesia’s palm oil production. Within the Smallholder Partnership pillar of AA2030, Asian Agri reinforces replanting programs for smallholders, targeting a doubling of their income by 2030. The company aims to increase income from fresh fruit bunches by replanting oil palm trees and resolving technical challenges in harvesting oil palm. As part of Asian Agri's commitment to supporting smallholders, economic, social, and environmental impact is emphasized. Asian Agri has been actively assisting smallholders in obtaining certifications since 2012. Independent and plasma smallholders can be guided to obtain the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification, and independent smallholders for the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The company partners with scheme smallholders by providing them with access to financing, technical support, training and guidance for effective, sustainable, and efficient palm oil harvesting and management. Asian Agri has also assisted them in obtaining RSPO and ISCC certifications. Currently, we are working with them to obtain the ISPO certificates. Committed to smallholder success, the company reinvests a portion of its sustainable palm oil profits into support programs. 2022 initiatives focused on enhancing agronomic skills, promoting livestock cultivation, and improving village and plantation infrastructure. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2282/australia-invests-7-million-in-national-avian-influenza-preparation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2282/australia-invests-7-million-in-national-avian-influenza-preparation.html Wed, 10 Jul 2024 10:46:17 +0530 Threat posed by a potential incursion of H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Australis is investing nearly $7 million as it continues to lead the response to the threat posed by a potential incursion of H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI). This strain has caused significant deaths of poultry, wild birds and wild mammals overseas and is not the same strain causing the current H7 HPAI outbreaks in Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said Australia was now the last continent to remain free of the H5 strain. “The strength of our national biosecurity system and Australia’s geographic isolation has kept us free from H5 HPAI, which is currently having a major impact across the globe,” Minister Watt said. “But we cannot rest on our laurels. “The arrival of migratory birds from areas where H5 HPAI is present – particularly as spring approaches – means we face a constant risk that is outside of our control. “We can’t stop the natural migration patterns of wild birds that may be sick, but we can prepare ourselves if that does occur. “That is why we are investing $6.9 million in enhanced capability to detect and respond to avian influenza in wildlife.” This money includes; $2.2 million for the Wildlife Health Australia One Health Surveillance Initiative $1.95 million has been granted to Animal Health Australia to support the national response capability for avian influenza in poultry, including investigating the potential of commercial avian influenza vaccines for use in Australia. $1.1 million to extend the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program for a further 4 years $800,000 will be invested in communication with stakeholders, industry and the general public to strengthen awareness and understanding of Australia’s biosecurity measures and preparedness. $580,000 to support early detection and response capability for H5 HPAI in wildlife $200,000 will be invested in analysis to quantify the location, structure, biosecurity, routine husbandry practices, and movement patterns of Australia’s commercial poultry industries. $70,000 will be invested in work to better understand the link between the presence of H7 low pathogenicity avian influenza in Australian wild birds and the outbreaks of H7 HPAI in Australian poultry. Minister Watt said the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry continued to undertake a national coordination and leadership role for H5 HPAI preparedness. “There has been a multi-faceted response across governments, other agencies and industry, led by the team at DAFF, as we work to mitigate the impact that any H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza incursion could have,” Minister Watt said. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2260/korea-advances-government-sponsored-fund-management-system-to-upscale-agriculture-startups.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2260/korea-advances-government-sponsored-fund-management-system-to-upscale-agriculture-startups.html Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:24:42 +0530 Support Entire Growth Cycle of Startups in Agriculture by setting up a financial support of KRW 47 billion in 2024 Minister Song said that the ministry would expand and advance the government-sponsored fund management system designed to nurture young entrepreneurs and startups in the field of agriculture. Young Farmers Fund, the current sole government-sponsored fund of the kind, has reached a limit for providing a systematic support for young entrepreneurs and agricultural startups. To overcome this limit, the ministry will set up a new fund for providing financial support for each growth stage of an agricultural startup by October this year and substantially increase the fund’s size from KRW 15.2 billion in 2023 to KRW 47 billion in 2024. This way, the ministry will establish the government-sponsored fund management system of supporting the entire growth cycle of a startup.   Out of a total of KRW 47 billion in the new fund, KRW 7 billion will be financed to a startup on the initial stage of starting a business; KRW 20 billion to a startup on the growth stage; and KRW 20 billion to a startup on the stage of inviting a follow-up investment. Also, the ministry will make efforts to expand private investment in agricultural startups. To this end, the ministry will amend the Act on Formation and Operation of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Food Investment Funds so that startup accelerators can act as a fund management firm of the government-sponsored fund for agricultural startups. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2244/agrifutures-growag-launches-in-new-zealand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2244/agrifutures-growag-launches-in-new-zealand.html Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:14:46 +0530 By connecting local innovators with international partners, the initiative opens doors to new opportunities and accelerates the development of cutting-edge solutions for sustainable agriculture AgriFutures growAG., the Australian agritech innovation platform, announced its launch in New Zealand. Agritech New Zealand founder and agritech venture capitalist, Peter Wren-Hilton, said the launch was an exciting opportunity for local industry. "New Zealand has world-class innovation happening here in agritech, and AgriFutures growAG is an ideal platform to showcase our achievements on the global stage. AgriFutures growAG team is creating opportunities all around the world – it's exciting to be able to now offer this to companies, researchers and investors here in New Zealand." AgriFutures Australia's General Manager, Global Innovation Networks, Harriet Mellish said the partnership would help connect the New Zealand ecosystem with opportunities in Australia and around the globe including R&D, trials, investments, and commercialisation partnerships. "In the three years since we launched we've supported over NZD$162 million in Startup investment; featured over 3,000 research projects and welcomed visitors from 190 countries," she said. Brendan O'Connell, CEO of AgriTech New Zealand, said, "The launch of AgriFutures growAG. in New Zealand is a significant moment for our agritech sector. By connecting our local innovators with international partners, we are opening doors to new opportunities and accelerating the development of cutting-edge solutions for sustainable agriculture." There are currently six New Zealand projects live on AgriFutures growAG. seeking research partners, suppliers and investment: Fleecegrow, a wool-waste innovation company researching turning wool-waste into a plant growing media and alternative to rockwool, as well as fertiliser. Map & Zap®, an AI driven early growth stage weed identification and laser-zapping solution that reduces the need for chemical herbicides for controlling weeds. Nanobubble Agritech, an irrigation technology company doubling the productive capacity of water. ProTag, a next generation smart tag for livestock that enables deeper individual animal insights through behaviour analytics and advanced location monitoring technology. SWAMI, an innovative solution that uses acoustic technology to predict and detect surface water build up to improve irrigation management, water efficiency and environmental outcomes. VinEye, a faster, more accurate and more cost-effective solution to identify Grapevine leafroll disease. The AgriFutures growAG. digital platform is underpinned by an in-person concierge team who facilitate listings of opportunities, and make personal introductions for international cooperation and collaboration. The team regularly travels to international events to promote the platform and showcase investment and partnership opportunities. So far in 2024, the team has been active on the ground in the USA, Netherlands, UK, as well as New Zealand. AgriFutures growAG. is powered by AgriFutures Australia and funded by the Australian Government. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2243/golden-agri-resources-supports-suppliers-of-palm-oil-products-in-aceh-indonesia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2243/golden-agri-resources-supports-suppliers-of-palm-oil-products-in-aceh-indonesia.html Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:03:25 +0530 Aims to achieve 100% No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE) through the Supplier Transformation initiative Golden Agri-Resources Ltd’s supports suppliers of palm oil products and their derivatives in Aceh Province to achieve 100 percent No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE) through the Supplier Transformation initiative. In 2023, GAR’s suppliers in Aceh achieved a 99.5 percent “Delivering” status using the NDPE Implementation Reporting Framework (IRF). This is on track with the Company’s target to achieve 100 percent “Delivering” status for its global palm supply by the end of 2025. GAR is committed to supporting palm oil supply chain transformation and meeting global sustainability requirements. The Company’s next target is to help 10.000 independent oil palm farmers in Aceh, North Sumatra, Riau, and West Kalimantan and realise a 100 percent deforestation-free supply chain globally by 2025. The Supplier Transformation initiative in Aceh includes outreach, discussions, workshops, and technical guidance to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly supply chain. The target audience of these initiatives is oil palm farmers, palm oil sales agents, and companies that own palm oil mills. Currently, 34 mills in Aceh contribute to GAR’s supply chain. The most recent Supplier Transformation initiative was a joint workshop in southern Aceh. GAR collaborates with Wilmar and Musim Mas, which also have supply sources in Aceh. This collaborative effort is the response of the three palm oil companies to overcome deforestation in southern Aceh, especially in the Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve area. By tracking the coordinates of palm oil mills, collecting data on agents and plantations, and closely monitoring land conversion, the Company demonstrates a solid approach to monitoring for deforestation and being able to offer a traceable supply chain. “Independent farmers are part of the Company’s supply chain and need to be supported to increase crop yields, gain market access, and reduce the risk of land conversion. In North Aceh Regency, Perkumpulan Sejahtera Pelita Nusantara (PSPN), a group consisting of 270 independent farmers, succeeded in obtaining Roundtable on Sustainability Palm Oil (RSPO) certification thanks to assistance from the Sawit Terampil programme,” he explained. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2211/zespri-announce-first-three-pilots-from-its-new-innovation-fund-zag.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2211/zespri-announce-first-three-pilots-from-its-new-innovation-fund-zag.html Wed, 12 Jun 2024 11:15:30 +0530 The $2 million annual fund designed to attract innovative problem solvers to address key challenges in kiwifruit industry New Zealand headquartered, Zespri has announced the first three pilots from its new innovation fund, ZAG. These pilots will focus on the colour of RubyRed kiwifruit, the tracking of kiwifruit bins, and the use of biochar on kiwifruit orchards. ZAG has been designed to allow Zespri to accelerate its kiwifruit innovation work through broadening its efforts through collaborating with global innovators, with an impressive range of ideas submitted from around the world. The $2 million annual fund launched late last year is designed to attract innovative problem solvers to help address some of the key challenges the industry faces as it meets the growing demand for kiwifruit.An Innovation Steering Committee chaired by Zespri’s Chief Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability Officer Jiunn Shih has been evaluating ideas submitted by prospective solution providers which support projects that are focused on four core priorities for Zespri: (1) Initiatives that are good for kiwifruit; (2) Initiatives that are good for people; (3) Initiatives that are good for the environment; (4) And initiatives that foster a thriving kiwifruit industry.The first solution selected to move into the pilot phase involves Zespri evaluating the consistency of the colour of its RubyRed Kiwifruit, which is in its third year of commercial production.“Our pilot will explore ways we can have better visual consistency with our RubyRed Kiwifruit that will encourage the fruit to produce more of the natural anthocyanins that cause the red fruit colour. As our newest kiwifruit variety, we continue to build our knowledge so we can meet the strong demand we are seeing with this six-month pilot involving one RubyRed orchard” explained Jiunn Shih. The second pilot is centred around improving the traceability of kiwifruit harvest bins with GPS devices. Each bin will have a unique location identifier with tracking information collected and displayed to users on a software platform. "This 12-month pilot is designed to help improve the challenge of efficiently managing bins in the supply chain. Having a record of real-time harvest bin movements within or between regions is also important in the event of a biosecurity incursion that affects fruit, such as fruit fly” adds Jiunn Shih. Pilot three involves a 12-month field trial of biochar on kiwifruit orchards – biochar is a carbon-rich material known to improve soil nutrient availability, sequester carbon and improve soil drainage and aeration. While biochar has been used with other crops, this pilot will assess whether it will help improve kiwifruit orchard soil characteristics and therefore possibly improve vine productivity and fruit quality. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2202/australias-extends-519-1-m-support-to-farmers-through-future-drought-fund-fdf.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2202/australias-extends-519-1-m-support-to-farmers-through-future-drought-fund-fdf.html Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:19:37 +0530 A major investment in 2024-25 budget to help farmers and producers protect and adapt against the impacts of climate change, build more resilience Australia is ensuring the agriculture and land sectors can meaningfully contribute to the whole-of-economy transition to net zero. Hence Government is investing $63.8 million over ten years to support initial emissions reduction efforts. In addition, helping regional and rural communities prepare for the next drought and manage climate risk is a key feature of the Albanese Government’s $519.1 million spend from the Future Drought Fund (FDF). Support for farmers and regional communities in this Budget includes: $235 million over eight years to work with regions and communities to help them manage their own drought and climate risks, through collaborative and locally led action. The funding will continue the Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub model, provide for the next phase of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program and deliver a revised FDF Communities program.  $15 million over four years to work with First Nations peoples and communities to support connection to country through management of drought and climate risks. The funding will establish a First Nations Advisory Group to advise on issues relating to drought and climate resilience, a pilot program to facilitate place-based, First Nations-led activities, and dedicated funding to support activities that seek to improve opportunities for First Nations participation in FDF drought and climate resilience activities.  $137.4 million over five years to support farmers and regional communities to make informed decisions and better manage drought and climate risks. The funding will extend and improve the existing Farm Business Resilience and Climate Services for Agriculture programs, and deliver the new Scaling Success Program.  $120.3 million over six years for programs that trial innovative solutions with the potential to build the agriculture sector, landscapes and communities’ long-term resilience to drought and climate risks, through transformational change. The funding will continue and expand the FDF Long Term Trials Program, a revised FDF Resilient Landscapes Program, and will implement a new FDF Innovation Challenges Pilot. These activities will lead to increased uptake of evidence-based, innovative practices, approaches and technologies.  $11.4 million over four years to support critical enabling activities to effectively deliver drought and climate resilience outcomes. This will support monitoring, evaluation and learning to measure outcomes and share knowledge generated by FDF programs about how to address drought and climate risks.  A further $13.9 million over the next four years will be spent to ensure the Government maintains a state of readiness for drought. The funding supports a nationally consistent approach to drought policy and programs, which will informed by the 2024-2029 National Drought Agreement and the Australian Government’s Drought Plan. These key activities will be supported by inclusive and timely stakeholder engagement and communications to ensure drought policy is informed by the people it impacts. Consultation on the Australian Government’s Drought Plan will commence shortly.  From 2028-29, a further $3.4 million per year ongoing has also been allocated to ensure the Government has an ongoing focus on drought as we know the best time to prepare for drought is before drought occurs. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2171/australia-allocates-63-8-m-in-the-2024-25-budget-to-reduce-agriculture-industry-emissions.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2171/australia-allocates-63-8-m-in-the-2024-25-budget-to-reduce-agriculture-industry-emissions.html Wed, 29 May 2024 11:04:54 +0530 Accelerating on farm action, improving emissions accounting and investing in long term research are the latest tool being funded by the Australian Government to help farmers become more profitable in a changing climate Australia has reserved $63.8 million in the 2024-25 Budget to support the reduction of emissions in the agriculture industry and contribute to the whole-of-economy transition to net zero. The funding will help build the capacity of Australian farmers and trusted advisors, improve greenhouse gas accounting at national and farm levels, and drive innovation for emissions reduction and carbon sequestration in the sector. During the recent inaugural Sustainable Agriculture Summit being held in Toowoomba Government allocated the grants and further strives to builds on the $519 million in funding to rejuvenate the Future Drought Fund. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said as supply chains, international markets and the finance sector are increasingly requiring farmers to report on their emissions, providing standardised estimation and reporting frameworks was essential. “Decarbonisation in the agriculture sector will unlock new opportunities for Australian farmers and landowners. The Agriculture and Land Plan presents an opportunity to chart a way forward and will play an important role in achieving our whole-of-economy emissions reduction targets. We will work in close collaboration with the agriculture industry to guide us towards a net-zero future. The funding provided in the Budget will help the agriculture industry to take action and be recognised for that action” explained ” Minister Bowen. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said because the sector manages a large percentage of Australia’s landmass, the agriculture industry has a lot to gain from a sector-wide reduction in emissions. He said that the funding will go towards the continuation of innovative practices, enhanced training, long-term research and on-ground action. The funding includes: $28.7 million over 10 years (inclusive of $0.9 million ongoing from 2028-29) to improve greenhouse gas accounting in the agriculture and land sector at the national through to farm level. $30.8 million over 4 years from 2024-25 to 2027-28 to accelerate on-ground action to reduce agriculture and land emissions. This funding will build on the existing Carbon Farming Outreach Program. $4.4 million over 10 years for DAFF to become a partner to the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). The CRC, to be established on 1 July 2024, will be a major vehicle for long-term research into emission reductions from Australian agriculture. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2157/sparklabs-cultiv8-announces-2024-accelerator.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2157/sparklabs-cultiv8-announces-2024-accelerator.html Mon, 27 May 2024 11:02:10 +0530 The 2024 accelerator will bring the number of companies supported by SparkLabs Cultiv8 to over 50 SparkLabs Cultiv8 announced the nine innovative cleantech companies selected for its annual accelerator program. More than $AUD 750 million has been raised by their portfolio companies, which boast a combined value of more than $1.75 billion and have created over 750 jobs globally. Founder Jonathon Quigley said the companies had been selected for their contributions towards creating a more sustainable and efficient global food production system.  "As we endeavour to support a resilient and profitable agricultural system, technologies that curtail emissions and increase productivity are not just vital today but will become indispensable in the future" added Quigley. Located in Orange NSW, the SparkLabs Cultiv8 Cleantech Agri-Food Accelerator has been at the forefront of nurturing start-ups and scale-ups since 2017, facilitating their growth both within Australia and on the international stage. The SparkLabs Cultiv8 Cleantech Agri-Food Accelerator runs for six months, utilising a global network of experts and advisers. The 2024 cohort includes:  Alkiira Therapeutics specialises in Australian grown, Australian made botanical extracts and nutraceutical ingredients for global markets, valorising untapped waste streams from local agriculture. Bovotica is adding mass and reducing gas in cattle via a proprietary technology probiotic/prebiotic feed supplement that decreases methane production and increases weight gain.  Carbon Friendly provides end-to-end carbon technology solutions that enable the agricultural industry to develop and monetise large-scale carbon inset and offset projects. Levur is a cutting-edge biotech company harnessing yeast and sustainable methods for customisable, high-quality oil substitutes for the cosmetic and food industries. Nitronic is developing technology to produce on-site, zero-carbon fertilisers, mitigating price volatility and the dependence on imported fossil fuel-based products. NonTox is developing non-toxic, natural herbicides to manage resistant weeds along with animal farm anti-pathogen.  Invenios is exploring the untapped potential of microbes to develop innovative biological solutions tailored to market needs. Pyx Global is developing advanced digital architecture to ensure secure exchange of data and credentials along supply chains. Unibaio has created a microparticle from natural origins to formulate more efficient pesticides and fertilisers, boosting active ingredient uptake by plants.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2149/natureworks-ingeo-pla-manufacturing-expansion-attracts-funding-from-krungthai-bank-pcl-of-thailand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2149/natureworks-ingeo-pla-manufacturing-expansion-attracts-funding-from-krungthai-bank-pcl-of-thailand.html Mon, 20 May 2024 11:14:07 +0530 One of the singular largest loans in the bank’s decades-long history supports Thailand's ambitious Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) strategy NatureWorks, a leading manufacturer of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers made from renewable resources, today announced the historic financial support from Krungthai Bank PCL to optimize the capital structure for the new fully-integrated Ingeo™️ PLA manufacturing facility in Thailand. The financing from Krungthai Bank, Thailand’s third largest bank, amounting to $350M USD (12,600M Baht Equivalent), is one of the singular largest loans in the bank’s decades-long history and shows confidence in NatureWorks’ market leadership and global economic impact. Today, the companies participated in a signing ceremony to celebrate this milestone. In alignment with its ESG values and sustainable finance solutions, Krungthai Bank funded NatureWorks’ newest manufacturing facility for Ingeo PLA biopolymer, a biobased material used in plastic and fiber applications. The funding will support the construction of the plant and its ongoing operations. NatureWorks was chosen because of its market leadership in defining bioplastic technologies and how those solutions will move Thailand's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy forward. BCG leverages technology and Thailand's biological diversity to enable a more sustainable, innovation-driven, and values-based economy. “This backing from Krungthai Bank not only validates our strategic global positioning within Thailand and the Asia Pacific region but propels us toward continued expansion to support the worldwide bioeconomy,” said Erik Ripple, President and CEO of NatureWorks. “The funding will enable us to expand our international customer access to fully biobased, low-carbon biomaterials that feature unique performance attributes valued by global downstream packaging and fiber markets.” NatureWorks’ second facility will be located at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex, the first bio-complex in Thailand established in accordance with the BCG Economic Model. The area has a strong agricultural base that can provide an abundant, locally available feedstock in the form of sugarcane. NatureWorks chose the site for its proximity to where sugarcane is grown, with established infrastructure for processing sugarcane into a sugar feedstock for the fermentation process, and the availability of desired utilities for the plant’s operation. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2112/pepsico-drives-sustainable-innovation-in-apac-food-beverage-arena.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2112/pepsico-drives-sustainable-innovation-in-apac-food-beverage-arena.html Thu, 09 May 2024 10:50:41 +0530 Announces 10 Startup finalists from Australia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines for the second edition of APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program PepsiCo, a global leader in convenient foods and beverages, has unveiled the 10 finalists selected for the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program 2024. The Greenhouse Accelerator program launched in January this year invited applications from startups across APAC. The finalists were selected by a committee of leaders within PepsiCo based on their ability to deliver innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and climate action. Each finalist was chosen for their unique approach to addressing environmental and sustainability challenges—key criteria aligning with PepsiCo's transformative pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) initiative. The program underscores PepsiCo’s commitment to a future-forward food system where both people and the planet thrive. In 2024, PepsiCo has expanded the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program to include a critical new focus area: sustainable agriculture. Recognizing the essential role that agriculture plays in our food systems, PepsiCo has identified two trailblazing startups from this sector as finalists, each contributing innovative approaches to sustainable farming practices. In a significant step to widen the scope of the program further, PepsiCo has also forged new partnerships with its bottlers Suntory PepsiCo Beverage in Thailand and Vietnam, which both are strongly committed to creating positive impact on the environment and driving impactful sustainability initiatives across their operations. These alliances aim to deepen the sustainability efforts across the region by engaging stakeholders and amplifying the scope of impact through collaborative action. The Greenhouse Accelerator aims to catalyze the growth of these startups, enhancing their capability to contribute meaningful advancements within the industry. Representing a broad spectrum of APAC’s entrepreneurial talent, the finalists embody PepsiCo’s pursuit of diverse and potent environmental solutions. Central to PepsiCo’s mission is the integration of these innovative approaches into its global value chain, furthering the company’s commitment to improve its ecological footprint. By 2025, PepsiCo aims to ensure all packaging is recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, or reusable, alongside a targeted 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Providing an ecosystem of support, the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program connects finalists with PepsiCo’s extensive network of mentors, industry experts, and resources. This framework is designed to foster development, accelerate market readiness, and enhance the scalability of their solutions. “As we welcome the newest cohort of startups to the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program 2024, I’m excited about the potential these innovators bring,” stated Wern-Yuen Tan, CEO of PepsiCo APAC and Chief Commercial Officer. Their inventive solutions are tackling pivotal issues within the circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and climate change — all of which are critical to our pep+ agenda. We're optimistic about the prospects of how these partnerships will expedite progress. This year, our collaboration with bottlers has significantly expanded our ability to pilot and scale these innovative solutions across a broader spectrum.” The 2023 APAC edition saw seven pilots across the PepsiCo network, which drove 110% growth in six months for the finalists, along with $1.5 million in sales growth. The finalists selected for the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program 2024* are: AIIEV, Thailand; CIRAC, Thailand; Alternō, Vietnam; Grac, Vietnam; Mi Terro, China; Takachar, the Philippines; ELIoT Energy, Australia; Wildfire Energy, Australia; X-Centric, Australia; Captivate Technology, New Zealand; ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2103/australia-invests-in-production-of-1-3-gw-wind-offshore-capacity-in-southeastern-coast.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2103/australia-invests-in-production-of-1-3-gw-wind-offshore-capacity-in-southeastern-coast.html Mon, 06 May 2024 10:53:10 +0530 Australian Government awarded Ocean Winds, EDP Renewables and Engie’s joint venture dedicated to offshore wind energy, a license to potentially develop up to 1.3 GW off the coast of Gippsland Ocean Winds, an international company dedicated to offshore wind energy and created as a 50-50 joint venture by EDP Renewables and ENGIE, has been granted a feasibility license by the Australian Government for a 150 square kilometres area to develop an offshore wind farm in waters off Gippsland, Victoria. The High Sea Wind project entails an installed capacity of 1.3 GW, the equivalent of a year of electricity for 1 million Victorian households. It represents avoiding up to 5.3 million tons of CO2 emissions per year, aligned with Victoria's offshore wind targets. The project reinforces EDP’s investment in Australia, a market that the company entered in the past months with the acquisition of ITP Development (ITDP) by EDP Renewables which has a portfolio of wind, solar, and storage projects. EDP R currently has 1.5 GW in various stages of development in onshore wind and solar projects, with a 480 MWp solar system and 200 MW storage project in an advanced stage of development in Queensland. “EDP wants to tap into Australia’s substantial growth prospects in renewable energy by developing multi-technology projects that can accelerate the country’s decarbonization while providing resilient and affordable green electricity to its inhabitants. Australia’s potential regarding solar, wind, and storage is tremendous, and we are proud that Ocean Winds was chosen in a competitive auction for this offshore wind project”, states Rui Teixeira, EDP’s CFO. These first offshore wind projects in Australia are expected to play a key role in reaching Victoria’s targets of 95% of renewable energy by 2035 with at least 2 GW of offshore wind generation capacity by 2032, 4 GW by 2035 and 9 GW by 2040. Ocean Winds, founded by EDP Renewables and ENGIE in 2020 to develop offshore projects, is on a trajectory to reach the 2025 target of 5 to 7 GW of projects in operation or construction, and 5 to 10 GW under advanced development. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2099/philippines-joins-forces-with-world-bank-to-boost-agriculture-finance-disbursement-and-procurement.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2099/philippines-joins-forces-with-world-bank-to-boost-agriculture-finance-disbursement-and-procurement.html Fri, 03 May 2024 10:53:25 +0530 Holding 17th PRDP, 2nd PRDP Scale-Up Implementation Support Missions from April 22 to May 9, 2024 The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the World Bank (WB) will conduct the 17th WB Implementation Support Mission (ISM) to the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) and the 2nd WB ISM to the PRDP Scale-Up from April 22 to May 9, 2024, to assess the overall implementation performance and progress of the two projects. For this mission, the Bank will focus on reviewing the projects’ compliance with the agreed actions from the previous mission and evaluate their financial management, disbursement, and procurement. It also aims to oversee the remaining investments under the Second Additional Financing with European Union Grant and assess the implementation of the Institutional Strengthening Action Plan. Led by DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and WB Country Manager Ndiame Diope, the three-week-long mission will commence on April 22 with a kick-off meeting and opening of the DA-PRDP Exhibit at the DA Central Office in Quezon City. The exhibit will showcase the PRDP’s 10-year evolution, major accomplishments, success stories, and the products of its supported rural enterprises. A series of technical discussions between the WB and the components and units of the PRDP will also take place from April 23 to 26. The discussions will focus on key thematic areas, such as financial management, knowledge management and communication, monitoring and evaluation of subprojects, and mainstreaming of PRDP innovations. On the second week of the mission, the DA-PRDP and WB will visit I-REAP and I-BUILD subprojects (SPs) in Visayas and Mindanao to inspect their implementation and progress and to engage with the implementing local government units and proponent groups. The team will visit a total of seven subprojects, four in Bohol and three from the Davao Region. In line with the DA chief’s digitization plans for the Department, a two-day agriculture digital solutions roundtable discussion with agri-tech and fintech companies will also be held on May 7-8. The activity aims to advance the digitization of the PRDP’s enterprise investments and build a robust partnership with the private sector. The 17th PRDP and 2nd PRDP Scale-Up WB ISM will conclude on May 9 with a wrap-up meeting where the World Bank will present its findings, recommendations, and overall performance rating of the projects. The WB ISM is conducted semiannually to ensure that all Bank-assisted projects are efficiently implemented and on track to achieving their project development objectives ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2091/australia-announces-new-grants-to-tackle-sustainable-agriculture-at-the-grassroots-level.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2091/australia-announces-new-grants-to-tackle-sustainable-agriculture-at-the-grassroots-level.html Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:08:29 +0530 Farmers to receive funding for climate-smart agriculture techniques Australian Government has announced a new grant funding for farmers to tackle sustainable agriculture at the grassroots level. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Small Grants are designed for individuals as well as farming, community and Indigenous groups to lead on-ground projects. “Government is committed to supporting farmers as they respond to climate change and become more sustainable into the future. We are helping ensure that climate-smart agriculture techniques become a normal part of the industry. This will take effort from every part of the sector, with farmers and community groups working hand in hand. Sustainable, climate-smart agriculture is not a one-size-fits-all situation. What works in one part of the country might not be effective in another. And sustainability can mean many things – anything from better natural resource management, to reducing chemical use, or even improving soil health" Minister Watt said. He further added, "This is the beauty of these grants – they will target what works at the local level, accounting for differences in soil composition, rainfall, and business models. They can be used to try something new or to scale-up something that is already working. They are open to individual farmers and community groups of all stripes, and I want to encourage any Indigenous community organisations to get involved, given their long-standing dedication to caring for country". “These grants are part of wider sustainable agriculture measures from the Albanese Government, including next month’s Sustainable Ag Summit where 150 groups from the sector will come together to work on a path forward to reduce emissions, while improving productivity and profitability. I’ve seen the drive from the agriculture sector to respond and adapt to climate change. Many farmers are already implementing measures that are designed to drought-proof a property or save a farmer money, that can end up improving on-farm sustainability. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of these grants.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2071/australia-to-fosters-agritech-ecosystem-with-new-grants-to-elevate-enterprises-and-investment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2071/australia-to-fosters-agritech-ecosystem-with-new-grants-to-elevate-enterprises-and-investment.html Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:46:35 +0530 Round 2 of the AgriFutures Agritech Event Sponsorship Program will fund 22 agricultural innovation and agritech events The Australian government is strengthening its agriculture sector by supporting Agritech events across the country to enhance Australian innovation. This $1.5 million program is funded through the Albanese Government’s $12.3 million investment in regional trade events. Round 2 of the AgriFutures Agritech Event Sponsorship Program will fund 22 agricultural innovation and agritech events, aiming to foster commercialisation opportunities, attract investment, and elevate Australian agritech enterprises. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt, said agritech events showcase Australia’s leadership in innovation, sustainability, and research. “This program spotlights the cutting-edge innovations of regional Australian communities. Agritech events create major opportunities. They bring new products to new markets, elevate value add and sustainability, and foster deeper collaboration between industry players. The events are held on agriculture’s home turf – regional Australia – ensuring the growth they generate develops regional economies” Minister Watt said. The first round of funding saw $275,000 distributed to seven events in regional locations including Gatton, Gippsland, Orange and Tamworth. The successful recipients under Round 2 will share in $625,000 with events being held between 1 April 2024 and 31 October 2024. The events include:  Grower Group Agtech Engagement (Ballandean, Kalbar, Gatton, St George, Kingaroy and Childers – QLD) FoodTech Tasmania 2024 (Launceston, Burnie and Longford – Tasmania) Precision Ag Expo (McLaren Vale – SA) SparkLabs Cultiv8 WeekZero & Regional Showcase (Orange – NSW) South West Vic Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 2024 (Warrnambool – VIC)  Primex Field Days AgTech Alley (Casino – NSW)  The Science & Art of Trading Cattle (Coonamble – NSW) From Here On – Innovation Seminar (Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre – NSW) Dumbleyung AgTechXPO (Dumbleyung – WA) GroWQ Innovation Expo (Longreach – QLD) Regional Ag-Tech Innovation and Careers Showcase (Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton and Wodonga – VIC) Agribusiness Today Forum (Orange and Borenore – NSW) Automating Australian Agriculture Roadshow (WA, SA, VIC, NSW and QLD) Empowering Australian Agriculture: A Roadshow on Technological Resilience, Safety, and Productivity (Wagga Wagga – NSW, Bundaberg – QLD and Mildura – VIC) Fruit Growers Victoria Conference 2024 (Shepparton – VIC) Henty Machinery Field Days (Henty – NSW)  Cyber Security in Agriculture and Agribusiness (Wangaratta – VIC) Spring Vine Health Day AgriTech Innovation Demonstration (Murrumbateman – NSW) Robotic Weeding Demo Day (Gatton – QLD) Agtech Showcase (Bundaberg – QLD) Digital Agrifood Summit 2024 (Wagga Wagga – NSW) GrownIn NQ 2024 (Bowen – QLD) Round 3 of the program will offer $600,000 to support events held between 1 November 2024 and 30 June 2025 with applications opening in August 2024 ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2034/philippines-to-boost-agriculture-infrastructure-projects-explicitly-in-rice-and-corn-production.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2034/philippines-to-boost-agriculture-infrastructure-projects-explicitly-in-rice-and-corn-production.html Fri, 05 Apr 2024 11:20:44 +0530 DA creates three teams for projects to boost food production and to minimize post-harvest losses Philippines Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has created three (3) teams to prepare and finalize the feasibility studies of priority infrastructure projects of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that will boost food production, particularly of rice and corn. The agri chief designated Undersecretary for Special Concerns and for Official Development Assistance Jerome Oliveros as a chairperson across all three project-preparation teams which would draft the framework and plans for the proposed post-harvest program for rice and corn, the solar-powered cold storages, and proposed solar-powered irrigation systems. Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro will be  Oliveros’ co-chairman for the team that will prepare the feasibility study on the post-harvest program for rice and corn while Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero will be the co-chairperson of the team in-charge of the proposed solar-powered irrigation system project. Meanwhile, the Department’s spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa will be the vice chairman of the team that will prepare the solar-powered cold storage project. As a special instruction to the team preparing the solar-powered irrigation system project, the agri chief stressed that they should ensure consistency on the proposed sites in the database of the National Irrigation Administration and with Bureau of Soil and Water Management irrigation masterplan. Earlier this year, Sec. Tiu Laurel estimated that the government will have to shell out around P93 billion in the next couple of years to build post-harvest facilities for rice and corn to minimize losses while P1 billion is needed to build cold storage facilities to extend the shelf life of vegetables ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2007/oman-investment-authority-launches-5-2b-future-fund-oman-to-fund-national-investment-projects.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2007/oman-investment-authority-launches-5-2b-future-fund-oman-to-fund-national-investment-projects.html Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:30:54 +0530 Fund will be looking to invest in a variety of sectors, with a special focus on eight critical sectors including manufacturing, green energy, fisheries, agriculture, ports, logistics and more In line with the national directive to boost Oman's economic development and attract international investors, Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has launched the 'Future Fund Oman' with a robust capital of $5.2 billion. Designated for deployment over the next five years at a rate of approximately $1 billion annually, the Fund will allocate 90% of its capital to investing directly in commercially and economically viable new or existing large-scale projects located in Oman. The Fund will also allocate 7% of its capital towards funding support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the remaining 3% is set to be invested in startups. Future Fund Oman is designed to partner with a diverse array of investor categories, including private sector entities, business proprietors, foreign investors, SMEs, and startups. The Fund will be looking to invest in a variety of sectors, with a special focus on eight critical sectors which are tourism, manufacturing, green energy, fisheries, agriculture, ports and logistics, mining, and information and communication technologies. This focus is intended to rejuvenate these vital sectors and contribute significantly to Oman's broader economic objectives. In realization of its role to diversify the economy, the Fund will not be looking to invest in any oil and gas and real estate projects. H.E. Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, OIA's President, highlighted that the Fund acts as a catalyst for economic diversification and is a reliable partner for investors worldwide. Additionally, it has a strategic focus on empowering the private sector, attracting FDI, empowering SMEs, and fostering venture capital.   Interested investors can apply directly on https://futurefund.om/futurefund/ for easy access to financing information. Create an account, answer questions, and submit the Investment Opportunity Form for consideration. Application review may take up to three months with regular updates on status. Required documents vary based on project phase and nature. The Fund will adhere to OIA's quality standards, which have already positioned the Authority in second place globally in the Governance and Sustainability Development Index between 2022 and 2023. Governed by an Investment Committee and an Advisory Committee, the Fund ensures strategic alignment with broader economic objectives while overseeing investment decisions. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2003/australia-to-invests-73m-in-12-new-timber-plantation-projects-to-boost-regional-forestry-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/2003/australia-to-invests-73m-in-12-new-timber-plantation-projects-to-boost-regional-forestry-industry.html Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:10:01 +0530 Plantation programs across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia will be establishing the new plantations across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia with added $73 million investment on Support Plantation Establishment program. This brings the total amount of grant funding awarded across the program’s "first round" will be more than $10 million. The 10 new softwood and 2 new hardwood projects, ranging in size from 22.5 to 660 hectares and consisting of both farm forestry and large-scale plantations, will help address the forestry industry’s demand for domestically sourced, sustainable timber. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said the new projects would continue to support Australia’s forest industries to improve the capacity and capability of the sector. “Australia’s plantation forest estate has been in decline for over a decade. Through these measures we will be able to increase Australia’s future timber supply and mitigate against future dependence on import timber markets. An over reliance on imported timber only heightens the risk that it will be sourced, intentionally or unintentionally, from illegal logging operations" said Minister Watt.The Support Plantation Establishment program continues to provide support for private industry, First Nations businesses, farm foresters and state and territory forestry bodies to increase the future plantation forest resource, while also contributing to Australia’s carbon emission reduction targets by storing carbon in plantation trees. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1965/australia-lunches-afwi-program-with-100m-in-grant-for-forest-and-wood-innovations.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1965/australia-lunches-afwi-program-with-100m-in-grant-for-forest-and-wood-innovations.html Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:50:15 +0530 To secure sustainable future for forestry The future of sustainable forestry received a significant boost with the official launch of Australia's $100 million Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) program. AFWI is a collaboration between Australia and the University of Tasmania, committed to advancing research and innovation in Australian forest and wood products. AFWI would also shortly be announcing the opening of the first of four, $5 million annual national open calls for forestry research projects. The annual national open calls will be open to applications from all Australian-based researchers supporting the forest industry, and not be limited to the research centres established by AFWI. AWFI is a key part of this ensuring forestry research and innovation can continue to meet wood and fibre needs into the future. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said the University of Tasmania AFWI Headquarters in Launceston would support a local AFWI research centre, with further centres planned for the University of the Sunshine Coast and the University of Melbourne. “Establishing AFWI was an election commitment which we are proud to deliver and forms part of our record $300 million investment in the Australian forestry and forest product sector. This program will support sustainable forestry, while also helping to deliver a future made in Australia. We work towards unlocking the full potential of wood as the ultimate renewable material and growing our forests and forestry industry” Minister Watt said. The three research centres will undertake research to enhance our production forests and the wood products sourced from them – managing and sustainably expanding our Australian forestry resources, transforming wood residues into renewable products and energy solutions – all while helping to address the threat of climate change. AFWI will draw on the best researchers and facilities across the nation to ensure Australia’s forest and wood products industries remain on the front foot, supporting applied research, development and innovation. “We saw demand for forest products significantly increase during the Covid-19 pandemic — increasing production in our sustainably managed plantation estate and product recovery from our sawmills and wood and fibre processing plants will see us better positioned to meet demand into the future” added Minister Watt. The AFWI Board is chaired by Bob Gordon and includes nine other members with industry and forestry research experience, an understanding of workers’ needs, First Nations perspectives and from the Commonwealth. AFWI will create opportunities for innovation and support the development of researchers to support the sectors’ future, building on the work the existing regional National Institute for Forest Products Innovation centres have already delivered. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1952/dubai-farms-programme-launched-to-support-emirati-farmers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1952/dubai-farms-programme-launched-to-support-emirati-farmers.html Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:02:26 +0530 Offers services, workshops, incentives, partnerships, scientific analytic supports and more aimed at aiding Emirati farmers who own productive agricultural projects H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, has launched the “Dubai Farms” programme, offering a host of services and incentives aimed at supporting Emirati farmers who own productive agricultural projects. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed stressed the vital importance of local agriculture in Dubai, and the need to develop and sustain it to reflect His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s visions and objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 to focus on building the capacity of strategic sectors and to contribution to the emirate’s economy,. “Today we launched the ‘Dubai Farms’ programme to support productive Emirati farmers, by offering them a full suite of incentives and services that support the development of the emirate’s agriculture sector and enhance the sustainability of crops, all leading to enhanced contribution to the emirate’s GDP. We will continue our efforts to make Dubai’s agriculture more productive and sustainable,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “People are the focus of Dubai’s future vision, while sustainability, leadership and competitiveness are its key pillars. Our strategic priorities include supporting Emirati farmers and promoting the culture of local agriculture, which helps solidify Dubai’s food security systems and ensure a sustainable future in which the next generations are self-sufficient. We have issued directives to establish a farmers’ association that brings together amateurs and professionals alike, to ensure continuity of jobs in agriculture. Agriculture is key to Dubai’s sustainable future, and it is our responsibility to ensure our citizens and the next generations enjoy the best life has to offer,” he concluded. Comprehensive package of services and incentives to Emirati farmers Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the ‘Dubai Farms’ programme, to be implemented by Dubai Municipality, aims to offer farmers a comprehensive package of services and incentives, including workshops, regular lab testing, partnerships, social support and other incentives that help their farms continue operating and become highly productive, all in support of Dubai’s Food Security Strategy. The programme’s objectives are strategic priorities to build sustainable food systems and enhance the sustainability of food sources, which ultimately raises Dubai’s prosperity and quality of life. A comprehensive programme aimed at supporting Emirati farmers and promoting local farming, ‘Dubai Farms’ offers, through Dubai Municipality, farming consultation services, subsidised farming supplies, required lab testing, pest control services as well directing farmers to meet local market needs, and contracting with a specialised distributor of crops. The programme will also launch several events including the “Best Home Garden” competition, the Gulfood Agrotech exhibition, as well as the “Local Dates Week” which will be organised next July to celebrate the popular fruit. During the recently held Gulfood exhibition, Dubai Municipality signed a cooperation agreement with GMG to market and sell farmers’ products. GMG will collect, package and market the crops across local outlets. Other incentives offered include offering competitive prices for farming supplies, machinery and irrigation systems. The “Dubai Farms” programme will also see the organisation of the “Plant Your Food” initiative, which aims to encourage house gardening, the Hatta Farming Festival and other seasonal farmers market events. In addition to launching the farmers’ association, the Smart Farming Platform, which supports Dubai Municipality’s digital transformation efforts, will help provide technical details, improve efficiency and raise awareness among farmers. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1949/new-zealand-allots-6-2m-for-passionfruit-project-in-vietnam.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1949/new-zealand-allots-6-2m-for-passionfruit-project-in-vietnam.html Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:24:33 +0530 A five-year New Zealand government-funded project 'VietFruit' in horticulture sector to boost Vietnam's passion-fruit supply chain New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the NZ$6.24 million ($3.85 million) investment in Vietnam’s horticulture sector, called the ‘Vietnam Climate-Smart Fruit Value Chain project’, known as VietFruit. A five-year New Zealand government-funded project to help Vietnam build a more lucrative passion-fruit export industry was formally launched by the prime ministers of Vietnam and New Zealand in Wellington on March 11, 2024. The project is a key element within New Zealand’s international development cooperation framework with Vietnam. It aims to support the Southeast Asian country’s agricultural sector, build its resilience to climate change and disasters, and help it develop a more highly skilled and educated workforce. As a member, along with New Zealand, of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) free trade agreement, Vietnam is becoming increasingly important as a trade partner. For instance, in the year ending June 2023, Vietnam was the second leading export destination for New Zealand apples, after China. The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research will deliver the VietFruit project, drawing on its decade-long track record of problem-solving and achieving impact through the application of scientific knowledge with Vietnamese partners. Suzie Newman, head of International Development at Plant and Food Research said “We have worked with smallholder farmers, agronomists, scientists, food companies, exporters and officials at Vietnamese government ministries like Agriculture and Rural Development and Science and Technology." The VietFruit project has research with two Vietnamese institutes: the Southern Horticulture Research Institute and the Northern Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute. Vietnamese firm Nafoods Group is also a commercial partner. This project aims to deliver three key outcomes, including increasing the productivity and resilience of the passion fruit production system; improving post-harvest and processing technologies and conducting sector-wide training that benefits smallholder farmers and businesses. Project scoping followed by early implementation began last year. To date, the project’s scientists have assessed disease and climate change impact challenges, begun field trials and conducted initial post-harvest loss assessments along the value chain. The benefits of success will include increased incomes for smallholder farmers, distributors and exporters, improved fruit quality and more efficient growing and post-harvest practices. Overall, the project will achieve a real lift in environmental and economic sustainability for Vietnam’s passion fruit sector. It’s a high-value export and a valuable addition to the economy of Vietnam. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1943/philippines-launches-several-agri-projects-in-bataan-with-p5-million-investment.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1943/philippines-launches-several-agri-projects-in-bataan-with-p5-million-investment.html Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:56:38 +0530 Releases grant for the establishment of a permanent KADIWA in Limay, Bataan to boost food security and higher income for farmers Philippines Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel , Jr. on turned over P5-Million under the Enhanced Kadiwa  Financial Grant for the establishment of a permanent KADIWA in Limay, Bataan as part of the government’s push for food security and higher income for farmers.   The P5-million KADIWA project will benefit 28 farmers’ cooperatives and associations with a total 3,826 members. The project cost includes the P1 million trading capital to support the center. “A permanent KADIWA store in Limay promises affordable, fresh, and safe food for local consumers while providing farmers with increased income opportunities. However, this is just the beginning: more initiatives are needed to sustain this momentum,” said Sec. Tiu Laurel. The agri chief also witnessed the signing of an agreement among the DA, local government unit of Limay, Bataan Peninsula State University, and Limay Polytechnic College for the launch of another Zero Kilometer Food Project. Zero KM, an initiative launched last year in the towns of Hermosa and Dinalupihan, promotes healthy eating while minimizing cost and impact on the environment by consuming locally-grown fruits, vegetable and other agricultural products. “Implementing this concept at the grassroots level within municipalities is where its true impact lies. It addresses the critical issue of food supply and demand at the local level, echoing concerns that resonate at the provincial and national levels. This grassroots approach fosters a deeper understanding, better planning, and effective management of our food systems,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said. “By promoting agriculture at the barangay level, we create efficient systems that ensure food reaches consumers without delay, nutrient loss, cost overruns, price manipulation, or unnecessary intermediaries. This, in turn, lays the groundwork for data-driven interventions aimed at meeting local needs and exploring export opportunities,” he added. Sec. Tiu Laurel also helped launched Limay Invests for Farmers’ Triumph, or LIFT, a collaboration between the Limay LGU and private sector partners like MENSCH Fil-Am Corp. and the DA’s High Value Crops Development Program to help empower local farmers by providing them interest-free loans. The agri chief also helped unveil Anthony Villanueva Farm’s drip-fertigation system, which uses water enriched with soluble fertilizers and micronutrients and delivered to crops using drip irrigation to improve quality and yield. The system was also adopted successfully at the 1Bataan Farms in Dinalupihan. The modern farming approach, he said, “underscores the importance of science-based methods in Philippine agriculture.” The DA seeks to modernize Philippine agriculture through mechanization, infrastructure development, and adoption of science-based approaches to increase food production, ensure food security, and lift millions of farmers and fisherfolk out of poverty ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1930/ifc-grants-64m-green-loan-to-boost-renewable-energy-in-thailand-indonesia-vietnam.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1930/ifc-grants-64m-green-loan-to-boost-renewable-energy-in-thailand-indonesia-vietnam.html Fri, 08 Mar 2024 06:36:00 +0530 A new investment through a green loan facility will help develop more renewable energy projects in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with International Finance Corporation (IFC)‘s $64 million to Sermsang Palang Ngan Company Limited (SPN) aiming to address the region’s growing energy demand. The financing package includes an IFC loan of up to $32 million and a parallel loan from Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) for a similar amount. IFC’s funding will help SPN finance the acquisition, development, and construction of renewable projects—especially solar farms, solar rooftops, and biomass—in Thailand as well as in other ASEAN countries. IFC will also assist the company with a green finance framework as it expands its footprint in the East Asia and Pacific region. SPN currently owns a 52-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant in Lopburi province, north of Bangkok, which sells power to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) under a non-firm power purchase agreement. “We are honored that IFC has supported us in developing projects which reflects our commitment to secure a future energy source for everyone, powering a better tomorrow with renewable energy investments in Asia” said Varut Tummavaranukub, Chief Executive Officer of Sermsang Power Corporation Public Company Limited (SSP) group, parent company of SPN. The energy sector is the largest emitting sector in ASEAN countries, accounting for 55 to 70% of total greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions. Despite significant potential for renewable energy, it currently represents less than 20 percent of the region’s energy supply. As a result, ASEAN countries are at risk of seeing an approximately 35 percent reduction of their gross domestic product (GDP) by 2050 due to climate change and natural hazards. A shift to renewable energy is therefore urgent. Cited the latest estimates, the statement noted that Asia’s overall power capacity is expected to see a steady increase in its capacity for renewables, reaching 63 percent in 2035. In Thailand, the government aims to ensure that renewables supply 34% of its energy consumption by 2037. The latest Power Development Plan, the solar capacity target has been revised from an earlier 6 GW to 15 GW by 2037. At the end of FY22, IFC’s committed energy portfolio amounted to $6.1 billion, with half of that attributable to renewable energy projects. Every year, IFC portfolio clients provide electricity to 100 million people around the world. IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. The organization works in more than 100 countries, using its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the Impacts of global compounding crises. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1926/singapores-venture-capital-fund-protege-ventures-pv-invests-in-zolo-to-transfer-south-east-asias-food-sector.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1926/singapores-venture-capital-fund-protege-ventures-pv-invests-in-zolo-to-transfer-south-east-asias-food-sector.html Tue, 05 Mar 2024 11:49:58 +0530 Protégé Ventures (PV), Singapore-based student venture capital fund, has announced an undisclosed pre-seed investment in ZOLO, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered business to business (B2B) software company founded by two alumni from two Singapore universities. Investment is considered to be the 11th student-founded startup Protégé Ventures has funded since 2017. The decision to invest in ZOLO underlines PV’s commitment to backing high-growth student startups that drive positive change and innovation in their industries. Together with ZOLO’s prior investors such as Antler, GHARAGE and NTUitive (via an equity-free grant), PV is embarking on a collaborative journey to foster innovation in the B2B food marketplace. PV was established in 2017 by the Singapore Management University (SMU)’s Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE) with an earlier partnership with Kairos ASEAN and funding partners – Wavemakers Partners and Dr Jeffrey Chi of Vickers Venture Partners. To nurture the next generation of tech and entrepreneurial leaders, PV extends an opportunity for students to gain practical work experience in venture investment landscape. PV students also get to collaborate with their peers from across different tertiary institutions in Singapore. In the seven years since its inception, PV has trained a total of 320 students as VC professionals, evaluated over 1,300 deals and invested SGD 298,000 ($221,413) in 11 student start-ups. These start-ups have collectively raised over SGD 35 million ($26 million) from notable institutional investors to date. PV launched its second fund, the PV Fund II valued at SGD 500,000 ($371,499) in September 2023 – contributed by founding managing partner David Su of venture capital firm Matrix Partners China. This is to empower more investments in early-stage technology start-ups founded by students or recent graduates of Singapore’s polytechnics and universities which are seeking their pre-seed to seed funding. ZOLO joins PV’s portfolio companies – which include Lumitics, an internet of things (IoT) food waste management solution, Hypotenuse AI, an AI-content writer startup, Intellect, Asia’s largest mental health care app, and Angie’s Tempeh, a plant-based protein products manufacturer – to name a few. ZOLO strives to enhance the sustainability and profitability of Southeast Asia’s B2B food industry. The duo met through an Executive Program organized by Antler in late 2021. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1907/syngenta-group-expands-collaborations-for-more-innovative-scientific-and-technological-solutions-in-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1907/syngenta-group-expands-collaborations-for-more-innovative-scientific-and-technological-solutions-in-agriculture.html Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:28:01 +0530 Maxygen, a US biotech specializing in the directed evolution of proteins, is collaborating with Syngenta Seeds to optimize its molecular enabling technologies Syngenta Group, announced important collaborations following the launch of its innovation accelerator platform Shoots by Syngenta in 2023. These collaborations, which connect expertise across industries and sectors, are aimed at making possible novel solutions to agricultural challenges more quickly and efficiently. Two collaborations – with IBM Research and with US biotech Maxygen – brought their respective pioneering approaches in data-based predictions modelling, and in the directed evolution of proteins more commonly leveraged in the pharmaceutical industry, together with Syngenta’s world-leading agricultural research and proprietary data sets. IBM Research and Syngenta accelerate optimization of chemical compound synthesis with language models. Syngenta Group, in collaboration with IBM Research, has enhanced productivity in chemical synthesis using IBM-RXN – a software developed to enable the use of language models for the synthesis of new molecules and materials. IBM-RXN encodes, models, and predicts chemical reactivity. By combining Syngenta’s world-leading chemistry research and proprietary data sets with IBM’s world-class reactivity modelling capabilities and leveraging Natural Language Processing (NLP), IBM’s pioneering modelling approach, enables the partners to deliver scalable, accurate, and data-based predictions modelling. This enables Syngenta to investigate multiple related compounds simultaneously and prioritize routes that offer compounds with the most desirable commercial attributes. Syngenta is closing the data loop by connecting the IBM-RXN platform to the synthesis platform. Reactivity predictions are now an integral part of the design of synthetic procedures. The models’ outcomes are fully integrated with synthesis planning and execution, establishing a virtual loop where high-quality data generate more relevant models that, in turn, inspire better synthetic procedures. The digitalization of synthetic workflows and the adoption of predictive reactivity modelling are increasing the efficiency and the effectiveness of the synthetic process. Both teams worked on extending reactivity modelling to include bio-catalyzed reactions and metabolic transformations, to support the design of more sustainable synthetic procedures that have a better safety and environmental footprint. As the predictive power of reactivity models increases, scientists may become increasingly confident in delegating part of their work to AI-enabled automation. This should allow shifting the focus to the synthesis strategy and overall chemical design. Syngenta collaborates with Maxygen to optimize molecular enabling technology. US biotech, Maxygen, which specializes in the directed evolution of proteins, is collaborating with Syngenta Seeds to optimize its enabling technologies. Since the collaboration launched, one of the success factors has been the consistent and robust level of scientific engagement on both sides. Both Maxygen and Syngenta adopted an open collegiate approach from the start, with Syngenta giving the collaboration a high-priority status as part of its core portfolio, enabling the project to progress swiftly. The teams from Syngenta and Maxygen met frequently to review results, manage decision-making, adjust plans, and mark progress milestones. This approach has delivered success resulting in protein variants with highly improved attributes and the subject of novel intellectual property. New collaborators to six challenges Shoots by Syngenta spotlights specific innovation needs from across the Syngenta Crop Protection and Seeds businesses. Science-based innovation challenges are posted on its website ShootsBySyngenta.com, inviting anyone with a scientific interest to submit proposals in response. Proposals are quickly evaluated, and if there is a mutual fit, progressed to a collaboration partnership to take forward the research or technology that might eventually be licensed. Currently, Shoots by Syngenta lists six challenges, ranging from identifying new chemical building blocks derived from biomass waste streams, to developing diagnostic tools for detecting non-visible indicators of poor crop growth. “We’re looking forward to connecting with new partners from academia, research institutes, start-ups, and cross-industry sectors, to work with our extensive global network of scientists and to push the boundaries of what is known today in science,” said Camilla Corsi, Syngenta’s Global Head of Crop Protection Research. “We’re proud of our strong reputation as a collaborator of choice and are excited about the potential of the Shoots by Syngenta platform to generate new possibilities to benefit farmers and agriculture ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1885/rabobank-renews-partnership-with-seed-valley-for-three-more-years.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1885/rabobank-renews-partnership-with-seed-valley-for-three-more-years.html Tue, 27 Feb 2024 09:49:07 +0530 Rabobank and Seed Valley extend their fruitful partnership. The bank will continue as a partner of Seed Valley for the next three years. Last week, Bob van der Hout, Director Food & Agri, and Erik Jan Bartels, Chairman of Seed Valley, reaffirmed their collaboration. The seed sector holds significant economic importance, and both Rabobank and Seed Valley aim to inspire new generations to join the seeds and young plants industry. They seek to enhance education-to-employment alignment and promote innovation. Making an impact together Erik Jan Bartels emphasizes the significance of this agreement, stating, ″The partnership with Rabobank strengthens our network. Its sector knowledge and networking opportunities contribute to our ambition to raise even more awareness about the seed sector.″ Bob van der Hout, Director Food & Agri at Rabobank, confirms this: ″Seed Valley is a global leader in plant breeding and seed technology. With its origins in North Holland North, our backyard, they ensure food security for our future. They have a forward-thinking ambition that aligns with ours.″ In the coming years, Seed Valley will continue to inspire potential employees to join this thriving sector. Alongside close collaborations with education, the focus lies on stimulating innovation within the network. Rabobank embraces Seed Valley’s focus and provides added value with its expertise and network. Together, they are building a fruitful future. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1871/australia-grants-two-rounds-funding-worth-54-m-for-climate-smart-agriculture-program.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1871/australia-grants-two-rounds-funding-worth-54-m-for-climate-smart-agriculture-program.html Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:20:53 +0530 Partnerships, Innovations and Capacity Building grants are open-competitive opportunities over 4 years from 2024–25 to 2027–28 Australia is embarking into sustainable agriculture with two new grant rounds worth $54 million under the Government’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.  The first rounds of the Partnerships and Innovations grants and the Capacity Building grants are open-competitive grant opportunities, with grants up to $5 million and $1 million being available, respectively, over 4 years from 2024–25 to 2027–28. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said “climate-smart practices are central to the Government’s agenda for a profitable, productive and sustainable agriculture sector in the long term. We are working closely with farmers, land managers, industry and rural communities to support the continued transition to a sustainable agriculture sector”. “Improving sustainability will help our sector to respond to the impacts of climate change as well as grow market opportunities by reaffirming our position as a high quality, safe and sustainable producer of food and fibre products in the global trade market.  These grant opportunities also bring an increased focus on First Nations engagement, participation and leadership and will provide opportunities for First Nations agricultural enterprise, embedding traditional knowledge and land management practices in the farming sector” added Minister Watt. The Partnerships and Innovation grants encourage the development of new and innovative tools and on-ground sustainable agriculture practices that are delivered by effective partnerships. This funding will target larger, long-term projects that encourage multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches. The Capacity Building grants will support farmers, community and First Nations groups and the broader agriculture sector to increase awareness, knowledge, and skills about best practice climate-smart, sustainable agriculture practices to drive their on-farm adoption. This funding will build on the success of existing sustainable agriculture initiatives, enable farmers to access the latest climate-smart and sustainable agriculture approaches, and inform decisions to strengthen the sustainability of their farming operations. The $302.1 million Climate-Smart Agriculture Program is funded through the Natural Heritage Trust, the Australian Government’s key investment platform for achieving its sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and environmental protection outcomes. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1832/singapore-bio-tech-company-bio-ark-partner-bandung-indonesia-to-expand-in-southeast-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1832/singapore-bio-tech-company-bio-ark-partner-bandung-indonesia-to-expand-in-southeast-asia.html Wed, 14 Feb 2024 09:47:09 +0530 Embarks into establishing resilient agricultural economy in Bandung and Pemalang region; Launches first bio-organic fertiliser plant in Bandung Bio Ark Global, a Singapore bio-technology company, expands to Southeast Asia by signing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Bandung Indonesia making significant strides in revolutionising agriculture and to providing solutions for global food security. In addtion, Bio Ark Global and the Pemalang government has inked a MoU granting Bio Ark Global with 4,000 hectares of land to launch a comprehensive corn cultivation venture. This will set the foundation for closed-loop food security solution. Under the MOU, 4,000 hectares of land for the initiative will be provided under a profit-sharing agreement underscoring the Pemalang government's confidence in Bio Ark Global's commitment to fostering mutual success and sustainability in the local agricultural sector. To redefining agriculture Bio Ark Global aims to collaborates with growers across continents and unites them in a global movement to cultivate better and provide safer food while restoring the health of the planet. "Regions such as Bandung and Pemalang possess untapped potential for sustainable agricultural growth." commented, Matthew Edward Loh founder of Bio Ark Global's interest in this particular region.  "The provincial governments have exhibited a praiseworthy proactive stance via their collaborations with Bio Ark Global's initiatives. They have strategically planned for the imminent phase of substantial advancements in the local agricultural sector, highlighting the resilience and strategic vision that defines Indonesia's multifaceted developmental landscape." Establishing a resilient agricultural ecosystem Indonesia is committed to sustainable development, aligned with the global shift towards responsible and eco-friendly practices.  Indonesia's agricultural industry makes up close to 15% of its GDP, providing diverse organic inputs to the global market, including palm products, spices, and other produce. Bio Ark Global recognises Indonesia's ability to sustainably grow crops for its rapidly growing economy is intricately intertwined with the well-being of its natural resources. Bio Ark Global aims to introduce to the local economy its bio-organic technology and agricultural inputs which are free of synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and contaminants. These products not only enhance the quality and quantity of crop yields, they also mitigate the effects of climate change on crop growth. Additionally, these fertilisers harness beneficial microbes that in the long term help to maintain soil fertility. Fostering ecological and economic sustainability: Bio Ark Global's strategies on a closed-loop and fully self-sufficient cycle, sourcing and producing all raw ingredients and fertilizers locally which eventually fosters ecological and economic sustainability. Addressing climate change threats, the unique strategy strives to implement best agricultural practices. In addition, Bio Ark Global seeks to actively reduce carbon emissions and absorb carbon from the environment, thus mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability as a force for positive change. Bio Ark Global Committee Members with Mansur Hidayat S.T., Regent of Pemalang In Bandung, a key partnership with the state-owned enterprise, BUMD PT Perdana Multi Sarana Bandung Barat (PMgS), based in West Bandung district, was officially formalised on 1st February 2024, where the executive team of Bio Ark Global, and Mr Deden Robby, Director of PMgS, inaugurated the very first bio-organic fertiliser plant in Bandung. More importantly, the partnership with PMgS heralds a new era of innovation for the agricultural industry in the region whilst fostering sustainable practices, to ensure that local and regional demands of food supply are met. Known historically as a major producer of agriculture, especially rice, Bandung has over 160,000 hectares of land dedicated to farming, of which over 35% is used for food crop. Bio Ark Global will also be collaborating with Pemalang local partner P.T. SGP Indo Fresh Produce, specialised in agricultural exports to ensure a seamless integration into the local agricultural ecosystem. Apart from corn cultivation, Bio Ark Global will also be conducting field trials on other export crops in collaboration with local farmers. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1831/uaes-atrc-launches-global-tech-rd-platform-at-wgs-2024.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1831/uaes-atrc-launches-global-tech-rd-platform-at-wgs-2024.html Wed, 14 Feb 2024 08:46:00 +0530 Funds to accelerate innovation in the sectors of Food and Agriculture; Sustainability, Environment, and Energy; Healthcare; Aerospace and Space and Transport On 13th Feb at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024, Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) unveiled a pioneering initiative aimed at facilitating global access to cutting-edge technology solutions. The newly launched ‘ATRC Global Tech R&D Platform’ serves as a channel for countries worldwide to tap into the UAE's technological expertise to address their unique challenges in each sector. As the driving force behind Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE's advanced research and development (R&D) ecosystem, this initiative underscores ATRC's commitment to fostering inclusive growth and global prosperity. In an era of rapid technological transformation, the platform seeks to bridge technology gaps experienced by nations worldwide by offering tailored solutions to their pressing needs. To initiate applications through the platform, ATRC is allocating $200 million in funding to accelerate innovation, particularly for emerging and developing nations. By committing to absorb resource and research costs, the funding facilitates the development of sophisticated technology solutions, empowering these nations to keep pace with the latest advancements. ATRC is calling on nations to collaborate and contribute to the global technological landscape. The ATRC Global Tech R&D Platform invites applications from governments, organizations, and eligible stakeholders all over the world, prioritizing collaboration, and inclusivity. Through a rigorous evaluation process, initiatives aligned with the platform's mission will receive support in six priority sectors: Aerospace and Space; Food and Agriculture; Healthcare; Safety and Security; Sustainability, Environment, and Energy; and Transport. Over the span of almost four years, ATRC has developed a robust R&D ecosystem, with over 850 researchers from more than 70 countries. It has built an entire ecosystem that systematically supports every critical stage of a technology’s development journey. Its entity ASPIRE crowdsources global talent through grand challenges and global competitions and identifies technology gaps with its clients. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is focused on applied research with intentional outcomes and houses its leading researchers and scientists, while VentureOne commercializes its solutions, taking R&D products and services from lab to market. From identifying an entity’s tech pain point to developing bespoke R&D solutions, ATRC orchestrates the complete lifecycle of technology advancement for companies and countries that need support. Situated at the global crossroads, it extends its reach to entities worldwide, facilitating innovation on a truly global scale. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1821/cargill-sustainconnect-to-open-new-revenue-streams-for-australian-canola-growers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1821/cargill-sustainconnect-to-open-new-revenue-streams-for-australian-canola-growers.html Mon, 12 Feb 2024 11:04:11 +0530 New sustainable agriculture program to help Australian canola growers connect with emerging markets to meet rising demand for sustainable canola Cargill is introducing a sustainable agriculture program to help Australian canola growers connect with new and emerging markets with the launch of Cargill SustainConnect™. The Cargill SustainConnect™ program will open new revenue streams for growers in Australia and assist Cargill in catering to the rising demand from domestic and international customers for sustainable Australian canola. The launch follows the completion of a successful pilot program in 2023 and helps scale Cargill’s global sustainable agriculture portfolio, tailored to the needs of local farmers and their operations. Cargill SustainConnect™ also builds on Cargill’s global efforts to make sustainable farming programs commonplace across its global supply chains, which includes the award-winning Cargill RegenConnect™ program in North America and Europe. Cargill is committed to partnering with farmers to support an economically viable transition to sustainable agriculture. Cargill has been enrolling Australian canola growers in Cargill SustainConnect™, a new sustainable agriculture program that provides a financial incentive for positive environmental outcomes through the adoption of sustainable practices, while helping to improve soil health and decarbonize the agricultural supply chain. Australian canola growers enrolled in Cargill SustainConnect™ can choose from a variety of sustainable agriculture practices including several nutrient management interventions, reduced or no-tillage and crop residue retention. Cargill has partnered with leading carbon measurement business Regrow to measure, report and verify (MRV) carbon outcomes using in-field data, remote sensing and crop and soil health modeling. The Regrow platform ensures easy enrollment and secure data collection, while providing growers and Cargill’s demand customers with transparent measurement and verification options. "Regrow is excited to grow our global partnership with Cargill in support of Australian canola farmers. Through Cargill SustainConnect™ we will support producers in sustainable farming practice adoption, building greater resilience in their operations, and gaining access to sustainability markets whilst assuring supply for generations to come," said Manal Elarab, Chief Operating Officer, Regrow. “Agriculture has a unique opportunity to utilise sustainable agricultural practices to address the global climate challenge and better the economic prospects for farmers, who are at the forefront of our food system. Changes made at the grassroots of our supply chains can deliver a significant impact in reducing emissions and building the resilience of our soils for the next generation. We are actively working hand-in-hand with canola growers to lead the way, supporting them with tools, resources – and importantly, market access – to make the shift to sustainable agriculture. Growers have told us they are looking for sustainability programs that offer simplicity, transparency, and flexibility to suit their specific operations. We’ve taken this feedback and designed Cargill SustainConnect™ to address these needs, and it has been very well received” said Ben Fargher, Cargill Environmental Market Lead, APAC. Key features of Cargill SustainConnect™ Cargill will help growers implement chosen interventions and share data from their activities. Growers will receive a guaranteed $25/Ha, subject to practices being implemented in compliance with the one-year agreement. Total compensation will be based on the total hectares the grower enrolls in the program. Regrow validates the interventions. Growers receive payment for the interventions and access to opportunities in environmental markets and sustainable supply chains, while opening doors to Cargill’s downstream customers, who are counting on agricultural supply chains to achieve their sustainability goals. The program is currently available to Australian canola farmers in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria, and Cargill is looking to extend this program in Western Australian in the future. Cargill is currently evaluating expanding the Cargill SustainConnect™ program to grains in the future. The first barley pilots are underway. Growers who are interested to participate in Cargill SustainConnect™ have until 31 March 2024 to join the program. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1813/nuffield-new-zealand-farming-scholarship-2024.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1813/nuffield-new-zealand-farming-scholarship-2024.html Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:41:42 +0530 Four food and fibre sector leaders have been awarded 2024 Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarships. The Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarship is one of the most valued awards in New Zealand’s primary sector. It is a highly regarded rural leadership programme with a global focus. It is designed to fast-track the professional development of talented people from across our Food and Fibre Sector. Farming scholarship that drives insight and foresight to keep NZ at the global forefront of food and fibre. Each year up to five scholarships are awarded to bold, curious, innovative, perceptive and community-minded individuals from backgrounds ranging from farming, industry bodies, catchment groups, agricultural research, food and fibre innovations hubs. Scholarship candidates should desire to hold positions of greater influence in their field and seek to give back to their industries and rural communities. Receiving a Nuffield Farming Scholarship is the beginning of a unique learning experience. New Zealand’s food and fibre producers stay competitive even with their logistical challenges, high land values and without the subsidies available to farmers elsewhere in the world. Yet, despite New Zealand’s achievements, there’s always a new path ahead and new challenges to be overcome – the Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarship plays a significant role equipping leaders in our Food and Fibre Sector for the journey ahead. Nuffield Scholarships equip primary sector leaders for a fast-changing world: Nuffield is part of an international food and fibre network promoting global vision, leadership and innovation. It provides scholars with access to world-class leaders in the best primary industries production, management and marketing systems. Scholarship recipients take time away from their work to travel, observe, immerse, reflect, and learn about global agricultural practices and their operating contexts. They gain new insights and ideas to bring back to New Zealand to positively influence decisions that affect the Food and Fibre Sector – and our rural communities. The Scholarship develops leaders for today’s fast-changing Food and Fibre Sector. It is designed for those who are engaged, motivated and committed to solving old and emerging challenges. Nuffield Scholars make change happen. Nuffield Scholars come from a range of backgrounds from hands-on farming in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, aquaculture, seafood, apiculture and forestry, through to research, regulatory, and agri-professionals. Four food and fibre sector leaders have been awarded 2024 Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarships: The Nuffield Awards Ceremony was hosted by Minister O’Connor at the Grand Hall in Parliament, Wellington last night, where the four 2024 Scholars were announced as:Carlos Bagrie - An Otago based Sheep and Beef, Arable, Vegetable Grower/Farmer.Rachel Baker - Rachel is a Central Hawke’s Bay based Agri-investments Portfolio Manager, and Dairy Farmer.Jenna Smith - A Waikato based Māori Agribusiness CEO, and Dairy Farmer.Peter Templeton - A Southland based fifth generation Dairy Farmer.Kate Scott, Chair, New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust, acknowledged Minister O'Connor's tenure and long-standing support of Nuffield. Kate spoke about a global and national context of relentless change, saying that the challenges our sector faces within this context require high-performing leaders for the teams they serve.“Our leaders need to be more adaptive than ever before, creating healthy and diverse, high-performing environments that allow teams to acquire the skills and build the resilience they need to thrive in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world”, said Kate Scott. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1812/uks-bright-tide-launches-the-regenerative-farming-accelerator-programme.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1812/uks-bright-tide-launches-the-regenerative-farming-accelerator-programme.html Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:29:17 +0530 Ten aquaculture startups join Bright Tide's inaugural regenerative farming accelerator Bright Tide, an environmental consultancy in the UK, has announced the launch of its first regenerative farming accelerator- connecting 20 ventures from around the world to integrate land and ocean farming practices. Bright Tide aims to encourage a nature-informed approach to food production for improving soil health, boosting terrestrial/marine biodiversity and carbon sequestration, as well as providing resilient, long-term livelihoods for farmers around the world. The participants in the first accelerator represent diverse farm sizes, geographical locations and agricultural sectors. At sea, they are: Algapelago, Atlantic Mariculture, Pine Island Redfish, Aquit, Three-Sixty Aquaculture, Ficosteera, Healthy Seaweed Cafe, Oyster Restoration Company, Ole Blu and Sea Ventures. On land, they include: Nunwell Farm, New Foundation Farms, Wildfarmed, Gentle Farming, Sea Water Solutions, Agreed Earth, Tierra Foods, Chirrup AI, ReGeneration and Afro Valley.”In the face of such pressing issues as biodiversity loss, climate change, and food insecurity, our commitment to nurturing sustainable practices is more pertinent and urgent than ever,” explained Harry Wright, Bright Tide’s CEO and founder, in a press release.The belief that regenerative farming is a feasible and necessary solution is also shared by the accelerator’s partner organisations: Hogan Lovells, Muzinich & Co, Kennedys, Ecosulis, CreditNature, Barclays, Cadman Capital Group, Next Energy Group, Boatfolk and Bankers for NetZero. Bright Tide hopes that by harnessing the benefits of both systems, the programme will maximise resource utilisation and ensure a holistic approach to sustainable food production. And they believe that fostering collaboration across these different farming communities will allow for fresh knowledge exchange and encourage the adoption of regenerative practices on a larger scale. The three main pillars of the programme are high-level networking, upskilling, and fostering collaboration between the ventures. A three-step agenda A series of exclusive in-person networking events at the offices of Hogan Lovells on 22 February and the House of Commons on 4 March, 2024. These events will provide ventures with the opportunity to network and connect with potential new customers, policy makers and investors. An 8-week virtual programme that will take place between mid-March and mid-May 2024. This will offer over 20 hours of free technical, advisory, and pro bono legal support to the cohort. Bright Tide has confirmed that global experts, mentors and private sector organisations from around the world will deliver this support. A showcase pitching event will also occur at the Barclays offices in Canary Wharf on 24 May. At this event, ventures will have the chance to pitch their business in front of an audience of up to 150 potential supporters, customers and investors. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1799/uae-strives-to-embark-on-sustainable-agriculture-resilient-food-systems-and-climate-action.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1799/uae-strives-to-embark-on-sustainable-agriculture-resilient-food-systems-and-climate-action.html Tue, 06 Feb 2024 10:40:10 +0530 Three-year Sharm-El Sheikh Support Programme designed to ‘unlock’ financing and other means of support for farmers and small agri-businesses Food systems comprise one-third of global anthropogenic emissions, and close to 20% of the global food supply chain is in Asia, making it a critical region for climate-smart agricultural investments. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the Boston Consulting Group to encourage regenerative practices across the global agricultural supply chain. These initiatives and investments represent a long overdue step towards ‘greening’ food systems. Food security is extremely susceptible to the changing climate, and any effort to address the climate crisis must address the destructive impacts of global food systems.  The United Arab Emirates’s COP28 presidency, in partnership with the FAO, World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the global partnership of international organizations, Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, recently announced the three-year Sharm-El Sheikh Support Programme designed to ‘unlock’ financing and other means of support for farmers and small agri-businesses.  Nearly 159 parties signed the UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action. The signatories are responsible for 77% of global food production. While the declaration is not legally binding, it sends a strong signal by moving agriculture up the global climate agenda, a critical component previously lacking.  At least C$9.5 billion was mobilized during COP28 for food-system-related climate action. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also released its three-year roadmap to sustainable agriculture during the recent conference.  In addition, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai, food systems featured prominently discussed for the first time, with more than 130 countries making multiple commitments to integrate this overlooked sector into their climate action plans. Aside from state-level initiatives, the multistakeholder-led Action Agenda on Regenerative Landscapes was also launched by the COP28 presidency earlier in Dec 2023. The FAO’s first phase is a global roadmap, and the subsequent two phases, to be released at COPs 29 and 30 (happening in 2024 and 2025) will focus on regional and country-level plans to transform global agri-food systems. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1781/israel-u-s-binational-industrial-rd-foundation-to-invest-9-6-million-in-10-new-projects.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1781/israel-u-s-binational-industrial-rd-foundation-to-invest-9-6-million-in-10-new-projects.html Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:25:00 +0530 The approved projects, with an overall budget of $24.5 million, involve innovations in the areas of Agrotech, Biotechnology, Electronics, Energy, Foodtech, Healthcare IT, and Life Science The Board of Governors of the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation has approved $9.6 million in funding for ten new projects between U.S. and Israeli companies. In addition to the grants from BIRD, the projects will access private-sector funding, boosting the total investment in all projects to $24.5 million. The decision was confirmed on late Dec, 2023, at  Washington D.C., and announced lately. The BIRD Foundation promotes collaborations between U.S. and Israeli companies in various technological sectors for joint product development.  In addition to providing conditional grants of up to $1.5 million, the Foundation assists by working with companies to identify potential strategic partners and facilitate introductions. The submitted projects are reviewed by evaluators appointed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Israel Innovation Authority. The ten projects approved by the Board of Governors are in addition to the over 1000 projects that the BIRD Foundation has approved for funding during its 46-year history. To date, BIRD's total investment in joint projects is over $390 million, helping to generate direct and indirect sales of more than $10 billion. The projects approved are: Celleste Bio (Misgav, Israel) and Mondelez International (Chicago, IL) to develop and produce on-demand non-fat cocoa solids and cocoa-based powder using cell-based technology. CENS Materials (Beer Sheva, Israel) and LiCAP Technologies (Sacramento, CA) to develop a dry electrode process with carbon nanotube technology dispersion to advance EV battery capacity and performance while lowering production costs.   Diptera.ai (Jerusalem, Israel) and Vectech, Inc. (Baltimore, MD) will utilize advances in artificial intelligence to build a process and system to monitor and control the Anopheles Stephensi mosquito, a highly competent malaria vector. Greatnix, dba Opmed.AI (Herzliya, Israel), and Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) to advance the development of an AI-driven Planner that optimizes procedure scheduling, enhances operating room efficiency, and maximizes resource utilization. Hypervision (Yokneam Illit, Israel) and Light Polymers (Santa Clara, CA) will develop a liquid crystal-based polarized coating technology, methods & systems tailored for Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality optics. Imagindairy (Haifa, Israel) and Ginkgo Bioworks (Boston, MA) to develop and manufacture non-whey dairy proteins at scale and cost parity for novel food products. Israel Aerospace Industries (Lod, Israel) and MELD Printworks (Christiansburg, VA) to develop and approve large civil aviation components utilizing Additive Friction Stir Deposition technology. LahakX (Ramat Hasharon, Israel) and Aero Systems West (San Martin, CA) to develop a heavy payload spraying drone swarm for agriculture and fire prevention. Sheba Medical Center (Ramat Gan, Israel) and Serpin Pharma (Manassas, VA) will perform a Phase II clinical trial to provide a targeted therapeutic to restore immune balance for patients with acute myocardial infarction. Tissue Dynamics (Rehovot, Israel) and ATCC, (Manassas, VA), will develop an advanced organoid kit for cardiac toxicity assessment. The deadline for submission of Executive Summaries for the next BIRD cycle is March 7, 2024.  Approval of projects will take place in June 2024. The BIRD (Binational Industrial Research and Development) Foundation encourages and facilitates cooperation between U.S. and Israeli companies in a wide range of technology sectors and offers funding to selected projects. The Foundation supports projects without receiving any equity or intellectual property rights from the participating companies or the projects themselves. BIRD funding is repaid as royalties from sales of products that were commercialized as a result of BIRD support. The Foundation provides funding of up to 50% of a project's budget, beginning with R&D and ending with the initial stages of sales and marketing. The Foundation shares the risk and does not require repayment if the project fails to reach the sales stage. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1784/unfccc-reviews-to-increasing-bidirectional-agricultural-investments-in-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1784/unfccc-reviews-to-increasing-bidirectional-agricultural-investments-in-asia.html Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:19:00 +0530 The focus on agriculture is critical for a region as vulnerable to climate change as Asia. Food systems comprise one-third of global anthropogenic emissions, and close to 20 per cent of the global food supply chain is in Asia, making it a critical region for climate-smart agricultural investments. Food security is extremely susceptible to the changing climate, and any effort to address the climate crisis must address the destructive impacts of global food systems. A region like Asia that is vulnerable to climate change should pay close attention to the agriculture focus. Across Asia, climate change is posing a high risk to food security. Despite encompassing two-thirds of the global population, only 450 million smallholder  farmers with limited land and resources are responsible for producing 80% of the region’s food, adding more pressure on the food-insecure region. Half of the world’s undernourished population — 371 million people — reside in the Asia Pacific. The warming climate, decreasing crop yields, and rising food prices in the region are expected to push the number of undernourished people in Asia to 330 million by 2030.  Insufficient action and overly ambitious targets could make for potentially dire circumstances. The FAO’s ambitious roadmap of rapidly transforming the global food system has been criticized by some as being predicated on the “availability and affordability” of agri-technology, which is lacking in many smallholder farms. The roadmap has also been criticized for being out of step with the 2022 Global Biodiversity Framework on nature and biodiversity. Despite the multitude of commitments and financing packages, recent COP28 came under fire for the role that meat and dairy lobbyists played in hindering negotiations. This subset of the agricultural sector is responsible for about 37% of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. And while the outcome of the First Global Stocktake — an inventory of states’ efforts to meet their Paris Agreement obligations play role in sustainable agriculture in addressing climate change, but it failed to include specific actions on reducing agriculture-related emissions. Advancing climate-smart agriculture within Asia Grow Asia, a sustainable food systems investment forum, was officially launched in 2015 as a partnership between the World Economic Forum and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with funding from the Australian and Canadian governments. The platform seeks to foster greater engagement within the agricultural sector in scaling up the adoption of “more inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems.” In 2022, Grow Asia launched a C$2.1-million multi-donor impact fund to support women in the Asian agri-food industry. Together with the Canadian government, working through the International Development Research Centre and U.S.-based agri-tech company Corteva Agriscience, the fund has since evolved into the ASEAN Green Recovery through Equity and Empowerment Project and has helped revitalize gender-inclusive investments and support for women-led farming initiatives in Cambodia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. From 2003 to 2022, Canada invested more than C$7.7 billion in the Asia Pacific agricultural sector. During the same period, Asian economies invested about C$2.5 billion in Canada, with the greatest inward investments coming from Japan, China, and Thailand. As part of its 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, Canada is allocating C$470 million to the Agricultural Climate Solutions: On-Farm Climate Action Fund. This fund aims to assist farmers in adopting sustainable practices. The private sector is also actively engaged in climate-smart agriculture. Power Sustainable, a Toronto-based equity investor, introduced the C$300-million Lios Fund I in June 2021 to support companies within the food value chain that embrace sustainability trends impacting the sector. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1783/the-asia-pacific-foundation-of-canada-apf-canada-welcomes-laurel-west-as-vice-president-operations-partnerships.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1783/the-asia-pacific-foundation-of-canada-apf-canada-welcomes-laurel-west-as-vice-president-operations-partnerships.html Thu, 01 Feb 2024 10:04:22 +0530 APF Canada has announced the appointment of Laurel West as Vice-President of Operations & Partnerships, effective January 8, 2024. Formerly a senior executive with The Economist Group, Ms. West has been based in Asia for the last three and half decades, first in Japan and then in Hong Kong. A journalist at the Calgary Herald, Calgary Sun, and CBC Radio before relocating to Asia, she joined The Economist Group in 1992, working in a number of progressively senior roles on both the editorial and commercial sides of the business. After starting as a country analyst with The Economist Intelligence Unit, covering Southeast Asia before specializing in India, she established the group’s custom research business in Asia, which she led as editorial director. Most recently, she was Managing Director, Content Solutions, and Managing Director, Economist Events, as well as a member of the Asia Management Committee of The Economist Group Asia-Pacific. During her time in Japan, she worked on the Japan External Trade Organisation’s campaigns to address trade imbalances with the U.S. and Europe. “Laurel brings uniquely relevant professional and managerial depth in providing corporate clients with business intelligence and analysis products,” said APF Canada President and CEO Jeff Nankivell. “Her expertise in collaborating with multinationals, foundations, and governments and convening high-level knowledge and networking events in Asia Pacific markets from Australia to India will add immediate value to the Foundation’s senior leadership team.” In her most recent role with The Economist Group, Ms. West oversaw the execution of large-scale conferences on topics such as the future of health care, sustainability, global trade, and innovation, as well as country summits in the region, which brought together government, business, and civil society leaders alongside corporate sponsors and high-level speakers. “It is a very exciting time to join the Foundation as Canada seeks to deepen its engagement with the economies and peoples of Asia,” said West. “I look forward to leveraging my knowledge of the region as well as my commercial experience to help expand and strengthen the Foundation’s work at this critical time in Canada-Asia relations.” In her new role as Vice-President, Operations & Partnerships, Ms. West will be based at the Foundation’s headquarters in Vancouver, Canada, and oversee the Foundation’s events, business development, business networks, and the establishment of APF Canada’s new regional office in Southeast Asia, as well as operational functions, including finance and human resources ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1777/researchers-net-1-5-million-for-oral-sea-lice-vaccine-development.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1777/researchers-net-1-5-million-for-oral-sea-lice-vaccine-development.html Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:29:44 +0530 Scientists led by Moredun Research Institute have been awarded £1.5 million in a bid to develop an oral vaccine for salmon lice in farmed Atlantic salmon. A multidisciplinary team of scientists led by Moredun Research Institute has been awarded £1.5M from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to combat salmon lice in farmed Atlantic salmon through the development of an oral vaccine. This represents a pivotal step towards a sustainable and effective solution to the pervasive challenges posed by sea lice in the aquaculture industry. Many marine-farmed fish species are significantly affected by sea lice, impacting their health, welfare, and aquaculture productivity. The salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, is an ectoparasite that feeds on the mucus, skin, underlying tissues and blood of farmed Atlantic salmon, and there is no efficacious commercial vaccine. An increase in salmon louse prevalence and disease issues, largely as a result of climate change, has an estimated annual economic impact on the industry of $1bn. Demand for salmon also continues to increase, making the need for the timely development of an effective vaccine, more pressing than ever. There are major challenges associated with current control approaches against salmon lice that create a barrier against industry expansion, which is worth over £1bn annually to the UK economy. Development of a commercial salmon louse vaccine would provide a practical, safe, and eco-friendly approach to tackling the issue while also supporting the goal of the Scottish Government to double the value of Atlantic salmon production between 2016 and 2030. Tests using traditional methods for administering salmon lice vaccines via injection have shown limited success. As an alternative, a team of internationally renowned experts in the field of ecto-parasitology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, veterinary medicine, and fish immunology led by Moredun’s Dr Kim Thompson, are developing an oral vaccine that will generate an effective immune response within the skin of the salmon. The oral vaccine will be designed to affect the biology of the salmon louse during its parasitic phase, impacting aspects such as attachment, development and/or maturation. The team will utilise state-of-the-art techniques, including reverse vaccinology (RV) and artificial intelligence (AI) via the EpitoPrediktTM platform to quickly identify key biological targets within the salmon louse and predict which candidate antigens are able to stimulate the correct immune response in the fish. The relevant candidates will then be fused together and expressed as a mosaic antigen through the EpitoGen® scaffold technology. The mosaic antigen will form the basis of a suitable vaccine. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1763/pepsico-launches-second-apac-greenhouse-accelerator-2024-sustainability-edition.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1763/pepsico-launches-second-apac-greenhouse-accelerator-2024-sustainability-edition.html Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:42:00 +0530 Reinforces Commitment to pep+ Goals: With the program, PepsiCo aims to address packaging waste, agricultural sustainability, and climate change by creating a positive impact through collaboration and partnerships. The final winner of the $ 100,000 prize will be announced in Thailand in September 2024. PepsiCo has launched its second Greenhouse Accelerator program in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Following the success of last year’s program, PepsiCo is looking to make an even greater impact on the food and beverage sector in the region by collaborating with and supporting entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture, climate action, and the circular economy. As the Asia Pacific experiences a notable shift towards more sustainable supply chains in an effort to reach net zero, PepsiCo understands its position to influence and be a part of this transition. The Greenhouse Accelerator APAC Sustainability Edition is an initiative to partner with innovative entrepreneurs in the region to advance the company’s goal to be net zero by 2040. As part of the program, PepsiCo will select up to 10 applicants to receive $ 20,000 in grants as well as mentoring from subject-matter experts from PepsiCo’s executive bench and broader leadership team. The final winner of the $ 100,000 prize will be announced in Thailand in September 2024. Applications for 2024 are now open, and APAC startups with solutions in the sustainable packaging, climate action, and sustainable agriculture spaces are eligible to apply. The shortlisted applicants will be selected based on the degree of innovation, business model scalability, uniqueness, disruptive potential, and a mission to drive emissions reduction and circularity. “Building on the strong start we made in 2023, we are extremely proud to launch the second edition of the Greenhouse Accelerator program across the Asia Pacific region. Last year, we initiated seven pilot projects, each contributing to our sustainability goals and demonstrating the power of partnership. APAC is a focal region for agri and food tech innovation, and with new partners joining us, we aim to use our reach to positively influence the food ecosystem.” shared Wern-Yuen Tan, PepsiCo, CEO of APAC. Greenhouse Accelerator Program Significance Since its inception in 2017, the Greenhouse Accelerator has included over 86 companies across the Middle East and North Africa, Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, the United States, and APAC. To date, the collective revenue of the emerging startups has exceeded $20 million. Last year, the program received over 100 applications across the APAC region, with Powered Carbon delivering the winning solution. Powered Carbon’s low carbon fertilizer solution which uses CO2 to cultivate bacteria, has since been tested on potatoes in PepsiCo’s China Shandong Farm. For the second edition of the program in APAC, PepsiCo has partnered with Suntory PepsiCo Beverage Thailand, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage, and Circulate Capitalwith an aim to address a comprehensive range of environmental challenges and to cultivate a generation of entrepreneurs who can drive positive impact across multiple facets of sustainability. Ashish Joshi, Chief Executive Officer, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand), said, "As a leader in the beverage industry, Suntory PepsiCo Thailand is proactively addressing environmental challenges through an unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and compliance. We are dedicated to optimizing internal processes and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across our entire value chain while collaborating with other stakeholders to achieve a net-zero carbon society. We clearly define priority issues, including achieving water conservation and replenishment, fostering a sustainable packaging management for the circular economy, and greenhouse gas reduction throughout our operation. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, we are pleased to participate in this program to build a sustainable society that prioritizes environmental responsibility.” “Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam is proud to be a partner in this impactful initiative, create a platform where innovations can thrive and can contribute to the movement toward a more sustainable future. Our company’s sustainability strategy and goals align with the Vietnam Government’s commitment, especially its pledge to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. We have collaborated with strategic partners to implement multiple initiatives in realizing sustainability goals, notably, our phasing out of fossil fuel in manufacturing plants and reduced virgin plastic consumption leading to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.” said Jahanzeb Khan, CEO and General Director, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1908/fbn-expands-portfolio-with-10-new-crop-protection-products-digital-tools-and-strengthens-supply-chain.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1908/fbn-expands-portfolio-with-10-new-crop-protection-products-digital-tools-and-strengthens-supply-chain.html Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:04:00 +0530 Latest investments showcase steadfast commitment to Canadian growers Farmers Business Network, Inc. (FBN®), the global AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network, today announced the addition of 10 innovative Crop Protection products under the FBN Brand, reinforcing the company's steadfast commitment to Canadian growers. Eight of FBN’s new crop protection products support wheat growers, including: FBN ProTEB, FBN 2,4-D, FBN MCPA, FBN Fluroxypyr, and FBN Azoxy and three cutting-edge Wheat CoPacks – FBN BlackTailTM, FBN CapTTain CoPakTM, and FBN SterlingTM. While FBN is also expanding its fungicide portfolio with the addition of FBN Prothio, FBN ProTEB, and FBN Azoxy. In the run up to Planting 2024, FBN is also proud to launch its FBN Acre Plans. FBN Acre Plans is an entirely digital crop protection planning system to help growers optimize input planning and purchasing. These new Crop Protection products for Canada include: FBN Fluroxypyr 180 EC: The top kochia and cleaver control active for post-emergent use in wheat and barley. FBN 2,4-D Ester 700 EC: Tried and tested 2,4-D Ester from FBN. FBN MCPA Ester 600 EC: Tried and tested MCPA Ester from FBN. FBN ProTEB 250 EC: Contains Prothioconazole and Tebuconazole which are the active ingredients in Prosaro®, one of the top products to manage fusarium. FBN Prothio 480 SC: Contains Prothioconazole, the active ingredient in Proline®, one of the top fungicides for sclerotinia management in canola. FBN Azoxy 250 SC: Contains Azoxystrobin, the active ingredient in Quadris®, a proven product for protection against diseases in potatoes and pulse crops. FBN CapTTain CoPak: Contains 2,4-D and Fluroxypyr, the active ingredients in OcTTain® one of the top products for broadleaf weed controls in Wheat and Barley. FBN Sterling: Contains Fluroxypyr, Florasulam and MCPA, the active ingredients in Stellar®, a multi mode-of-action product for broadleaf weed control in wheat and barley. FBN BlackTail: Contains Carfentrazone and 2,4-D, the active ingredients in Blackhawk®, a multi mode-of-action add-in for your burnoff to manage resistant kochia and many other broadleaf weeds. Maxunitech Sulfentrazone: The first post-patent alternative to Authority(R) 480 in Canada. A pre-emergent option for management of resistant kochia and other broadleaf weeds. In addition to expanded product offerings, FBN is making strategic investments to enhance the shopping and delivery experience for growers. During checkout, products are intelligently grouped based on their use period, such as pre-season or in-season and delivered in two waves, providing greater order traceability and passing savings on to farmers. FBN's purpose built delivery network assures farmer members that these offerings will be delivered well before critical dates, so farmers have the tools they need for a successful 2024. FBN has expanded its delivery network so now 97% of growing acreage in Canada is within a 250-mile radius of a FBN logistics center. In 2023, FBN opened its flagship Canadian distribution center in Saskatoon, bringing enhanced delivery service through its network of eight Canadian fulfillment centers. FBN Canada now represents over 9,700 members across more than 31 million acres. Prosaro, Proline is a registered trademark of Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH. Quadris is a registered trademark of Syngenta Limited. OcTTain and Stellar are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC. Blackhawk is a registered trademark of Nufarm Agriculture Inc. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1917/australia-to-build-agri-workforce-through-added-grants-and-schemes-for-2024.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1917/australia-to-build-agri-workforce-through-added-grants-and-schemes-for-2024.html Fri, 26 Jan 2024 07:01:00 +0530 Aims to support agriculture careers through the Agriculture Workforce Working Group (AWWG), fee-free TAFE places, improving the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme Agriculture sector is a vital source of employment in rural, regional and remote areas of Australia employing around 262,000 people. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said since the Jobs and Skills Summit in 2022, the Government has been working closely with the agriculture industry to find solutions that address workforce issues that had been ongoing for years. “The Government has successfully worked with industry to identify opportunities to support ag careers through the Agriculture Workforce Working Group (AWWG), fee-free TAFE places, improving the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, and more,” Minister Watt said. “The AWWG achieved agreement on principles that underpin labour hire licensing and contributed to key government processes including the Employment White Paper and Migration Review. It has also been pivotal in securing agreement to undertake a Food and Supply Chain Capacity Study that will help inform Australia’s training, higher education, and migration systems to best meet industry needs. Training Australians is key to building the agricultural workforce, which is why we have provided funding for more than 13,000 fee-free TAFE places for agriculture courses with more than 11,950 enrolments in 2023. Our Cultivating the Next Generation project, done in partnership with AgriFutures, has investigated ways to encourage young people to consider how agriculture can provide a rewarding career beyond the classroom. Whether it’s at the cutting edge of technology or driving sustainability, working on the land, in a lab or from an office, agriculture has something for everyone ” explains Minister Watt. The PALM scheme Government has also worked to further to expand and improve the PALM scheme. The PALM scheme is a temporary labour migration program between Australia and the Pacific and Timor-Leste. “We are responsibly growing the scheme, with better support for our Pacific neighbours and employers to participate in the scheme and improved conditions for workers. In 2023, we reached record numbers of PALM workers demonstrating the importance of this program to Australia’s ag industry. There are more than 38,145 PALM workers in Australia, with the majority working in agriculture (25,889 workers) and the meat processing (10,041) sectors. Expanding and improving the PALM scheme continues to help employers across Australia engage the right workers where and when they need them. A sign of the of the continued success of the program is that the fact that more and more employers continue to sign up to participate. I am excited about the future of agriculture and as we go into 2024, I look forward to building on last year’s momentum and seeing what new ideas the newly established Agricultural Workforce Forum can uncover” explains Minister Watt. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1745/australia-grants-30m-on-farm-connectivity-program-aiding-farmers-with-agtech-connectivity-tools.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1745/australia-grants-30m-on-farm-connectivity-program-aiding-farmers-with-agtech-connectivity-tools.html Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:51:30 +0530 Rebate is available for a wide range of technologies as part of OFCP program Australia grants $30 million for the on Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP), delivering significant productivity benefits for Australia's primary producers. More than $6.2 million in rebates are already committed to assist farmers in implementing Agtech and connectivity solutions. The program is extending data coverage further onto properties and allowing for greater connection and reliability of machinery and sensor technology by offering discounted technologies through approved suppliers. These technologies are assisting farmers to optimise soil quality and nutrient levels, monitor livestock, improve efficiency of water use and streamline farm logistics.  Since the program launch in late October, the Business Grants Hub has received more than 700 applications from equipment suppliers towards the $15 million in funding available under Round 1.  The rebate is available for a wide range of technologies such as external antennas, repeaters, boosters, sensors, automated tank systems and pump controllers, animal movement tags together with relevant installation and training costs. To help primary producers explore eligible connectivity options and make informed investment decisions, the Government has engaged the Regional Tech Hub to provided free and independent advice.  Though OFCP Australian Government is committed to $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan like improving mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in communities across the country.  Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said, “The Albanese Government is backing our farmers and primary producers On Farm Connectivity Program delivering the cutting edge tech the sector needs to stay competitive, boost sustainability and enhance farm safety.” Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said, “By helping farmers invest in new technologies, we’re powering productivity and embracing smarter, more sustainable farming practices. I’d encourage anyone wanting to see how agtech might benefit their work to give the Regional Tech Hub a call.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1747/ifad-accelerates-establishment-of-asia-and-the-pacific-apr-office-in-thailand.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1747/ifad-accelerates-establishment-of-asia-and-the-pacific-apr-office-in-thailand.html Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:02:48 +0530 A tentative timeline for the establishment of the regional office has been set for Q3 of 2024 Thailand's Deputy Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Setthakiat Krachanwong, participated in a discussion on January 18, 2024, with representatives from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), namely Meyerhans, Executive Director, and Giorgia Salucci, Head of Support Department. Senior officials of the 16th Berlin Ministers' Conference of Agriculture (The 16th Berlin Ministers' Conference) met to discuss the progress of setting up an IFAD Asia and Pacific office in Thailand. As part of the process of establishing the IFAD Office for Asia and the Pacific in Thailand, the Host Country Agreement documents are referred to by the Deputy Permanent Secretary Economics and proposed to develop the documents by October 2024. In the 4th quarter of 2023, Thailand has been selected as the location for IFAD’s first regional office in the Asia and the Pacific region (APR). With the key milestone is part of IFAD’s decentralization strategy to bring the regional counterparts more closer to reflects steadfast commitment to enhancing collaboration and efficiency. Establishing IFAD’s first regional office in Asia strengthen IFDA's presence and impact in the region, enabling it to forge even stronger partnerships and drive growth. A tentative timeline for the establishment of the regional office has been set for Q3 of 2024. In line with the established regional office model, this office will eventually house the APR Regional Team as well as the COM, CSD, FMD, and SKD staff members mapped to APR. In addition to being IFAD's largest investment portfolio, APR also plays a significant role in the mission of the organization. By setting up regional offices, IFDA will be able to enhance efficiency, bridge time differences, and ensure seamless coordination among regional offices. Through closer collaboration with partners, IFDA aims to strengthen networks, and amplify efforts toward inclusive and sustainable rural transformation.  The strategic positioning of Bangkok enables IFDA's operational teams to serve clients with greater efficiency and achieve even greater impact. In addition, the presence of 21 UN regional and other offices in Bangkok provides valuable opportunities to enhance collaboration within the UN system, particularly with FAO and WFP regional offices. A stronger partnership with IFIs, also located in Bangkok, will further strengthen IFAD's regional initiatives. IFDA has considered an array of critical factors, including cost-effectiveness, travel accessibility, IT connectivity, visa considerations, alignment with IFAD’s strategy, proximity to other UN and multilateral agencies, and the overall impact on the staff costs to make Bangkok as the location . A strategic nexus uniting IFAD staff from different departments, the regional office will be led by the Regional Director. Stronger strategic focus on China and India To ensure comprehensive coverage across Asia, IFAD will further strengthen its office presence in Beijing, China, and New Delhi, India. India will operate as a multi-country office (MCO) in the APR region, while the office in China will have a particular focus on South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) as IFAD SSTC Centre in Asia. In this unique capacity, the office will actively strive to secure substantial additional SSTC funds, significantly enhancing outreach efforts and maximizing the profound impact of IFAD-supported rural development and poverty reduction initiatives throughout the region.  We will also be exploring the possibility of strengthening the role of these offices further as centres for development financing, digital transformation, and more.  The two offices will oversee various country portfolios, thereby reinforcing IFAD’s strategic positioning and expanding partnerships at both country and regional levels in APR. The China office will continue to cover Mongolia, while the India office will continue to cover Sri Lanka and Maldives. As a result, they will foster robust client relationships and effectively reach rural communities in those countries. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1714/thailands-nstda-mhesi-aligns-its-2024-goals-with-the-bio-circular-green-economy-bcg-model.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1714/thailands-nstda-mhesi-aligns-its-2024-goals-with-the-bio-circular-green-economy-bcg-model.html Fri, 12 Jan 2024 08:35:00 +0530 MHESI introduced the “11 BCG Implementation” policy for 2024; NSTDA's 6.0 policy to drive Core Agri-Business strategies boosting R&D and innovation Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI): Professor Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) – an agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) along with a team of executives and researchers unveiled the NSTDA’s 2023 performance in driving BCG research to enhance the quality of life of Thai people towards sustainability. MHESI introduced the “11 BCG Implementation” policy for 2024, emphasizing NSTDA’s commitment to utilize science and technology to support various sectors in the national sustainable development mission, aligning with the Bio-Circular-Green economy (BCG) model. Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of NSTDA, said that the NSTDA’s 6.0 policy has set the vision for NSTDA to function as the national powerhouse in science, technology, and innovation (STI) to strengthen Thailand’s research and innovation ecosystem, aligning with the policy announced by Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, MHESI which is “Private sector leads, state supports.” Under the 6.0 policy, NSTDA has mobilized personnel from its various departments to drive the NSTDA Core Business strategy, creating research power to serve society by becoming more proactive in making research and innovation more accessible and reducing bottlenecks in research. Through this strategy, impacts of our research become more evident in society, with positive feedbacks from millions of real users in various sectors. 2023 Research highlights in agriculture, energy and environment The press conference also featured exhibitions highlighting outstanding research work from five national centers. Among these displays are biocontrol products (developed by BIOTEC), which include pest control products, plant disease control products, and weed control products. The research team Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for integrated pest management for durian and yard long beans. These SOPs help farmers maintain and manage their agricultural plots while promoting the appropriate and effective use of biological products. SOPs are available in an e-book format on the online media channels of the research team and partners. Training workshops have been organized to introduce SOPs to farmers. A total of 150 farmers have attended these workshops. The HandySense Smart Farm is a precision agriculture system developed by NECTEC. It utilizes sensor technology and an automatic control system to improve plantation management, reduce production costs, and increase the income of farmers by at least 20%. HandySense is an open-source technology and is demonstrated in 200 smart farm learning centers nationwide. M Sense, developed by NANOTEC, is a test kit for measure the level of heavy metal contaminants in herbs and water. At present, three prototypes have been developed: manganese ions (Mn Sense), fluoride (F Sense), and copper (Cu Sense), for field use. The kit is highly sensitive and specific, easy to use, inexpensive, and can be applied in a variety of industries. The results can be determined qualitatively by comparing with a color chart and quantitatively using a portable device called the DuoEye Reader. The accuracy of the kit is consistent with standard laboratory methods, but it is less expensive compared to imported test kits. “EnPAT” is a biobased non-flammable transformer oil made from oil palm developed by ENTEC. It helps prevent fires from electrical transformer explosions, ensuring public safety while opening up opportunities for the high-value oleochemical economy. “Rachel” is a bodysuit designed by MTEC to aid mobility for the elderly. It can be worn all day long, allowing seniors to move freely and reducing the risk of injury from daily activities. This development employed interdisciplinary knowledge in various fields, including materials science (muscle stimulation), biomechanics and anatomy (musculoskeletal movement), and fashion design (comfortable fit). The product is now advancing to commercial production by leading clothing manufacturers in Thailand. In addition, NSTDA is also involved in driving the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Action Plan. Thailand’s Government AI Readiness Index ranking improved from 59th to 31st after the launch of the National AI Action Plan. NSTDA is actively engaged in driving the BCG Model at the national level and pilot provinces. Over 600,000 individuals have been trained in BCG skills development program during 2021-2022. Increased proportion of BCG economy has been witnessed in pilot provinces such as Chanthaburi and Ratchaburi. 2024 Goal, driving BCG research, innovation and sustainability In 2024, NSTDA is applying research knowledge and expertise to benefit the country and apply research results to various sectors in accordance with the policy set by MHESI Minister Ms. Supamas Issaraphakdi that emphasized application to benefit the public and private sectors. NSTDA aims to drive 11 BCG Implementation projects with the “1 reduction – 2 additions – 1 creation” strategy to improve the quality of life of Thai people. “1 Reduction” means reducing social disparities. This issue is addressed in three research projects: 1) “Thung Kula Rong Hai” focuses on transferring technologies to farmers and low-income families in Thung Kula Rong Hai area to improve their agricultural products 2) “Traffy Fondue” is a platform application for managing urban problems by connecting citizens with responsible agencies to increase the work efficiency of staff, 3) “Accessibility Information and Communication Platform” provides senior persons and persons with disabilities with access to communication, information and digital services. “2 Additions” means increasing Thai economic growth and improving self-reliance capacity. Two projects aim to boost the economic growth are: 1) “High-value herbal extracts from basil, black ginger, and centella” focuses on the development of an industrial production process for standardized extract to support the food and dietary supplements industry 2) “Functional food and functional ingredients production platform” aims to drive the growth of food industry, focusing on functional food, specialized food, and future food. The project will also enhance an ecosystem to promote functional ingredients industry and improve the competitiveness of the country’s food and cosmeceutical industries. Four research projects aims to support self-reliance, among which, “Animal Vaccine” focuses on testing the efficacy of inactivated ASFV autogenous vaccines prototype and developing the ASFV vaccine production process for domestic production Lastly, “1 creation” means creating sustainability of nature and environment with two research projects: 1) developing indicators and database of CO2, CE, SDG, national life cycle assessment database, and indicators related to sustainable production and consumption and the circular economy; and 2) “Industry 4.0 Platform” focuses on enabling industries to increase production efficiency, reduce resource use, minimize waste, and transition to green manufacturing. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1918/15-billion-oyster-initiative-aims-to-restore-texan-coast.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1918/15-billion-oyster-initiative-aims-to-restore-texan-coast.html Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:35:00 +0530 Country's largest marine species restoration project will be distributed along the Texas coast by 2025 Palacios Marine Agriculture Research (PMAR), and an unprecedented marine science-based push to restore Texas' depleted oyster reefs and once vibrant oyster population, have been supported by major financial commitments from the Ed Rachal Foundation. A number of other large and well-known oyster restoration projects with similar goals exist, such as the Horn Point Oyster Hatchery and the Billion Oyster Project in New York Harbor. In the western margin of the Gulf of Mexico, PMAR's conservation efforts extend along the entire Texas coast. As a large, resilient marine ecosystem, it remains vulnerable to man-made disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and climate-driven stressors such as sea level rise and warming. Texas' bays and estuaries have been tested to the limit by these challenges. As oyster reefs and oyster populations flourish, turbidity and erosion are reduced, which benefit other habitats, such as seagrass meadows and emergent wetlands. The 15 billion oyster project will address many of the concerns raised in the academy reports, including work on large ecological scales that can affect entire ecosystems and those who depend on them. “In order to successfully introduce 15 billion oysters, PMAR’s team will undertake more initial research to explore the development of new reefs and restoration of existing damaged reefs. Our initial research project will be in the area of oyster reef restoration and conservation aquaculture“ said Gail Sutton, PMAR director of operations. A large-scale hatchery system, with the support of a coastwide restoration partnership, is another PMAR goal aiming to reverse unsustainable trends in the Texas oyster industry. Oyster seed is already being supplied to commercial oyster ranchers on the Texas coast. Aquaculture is aimed at creating a sustainable commercial aquaculture industry that can produce seed oysters in hatcheries, grow them in a reliable, protected environment, and harvest them when ready - all while maintaining the integrity of the coastal environment. “A lot of people love to eat oysters, but they often don’t realise what an important role they play in our environment. They’re the water treatment plants of the bays — one oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day. They’re also a happening place to be underwater, providing habitat and nurseries for species like fish and crabs. When a reef dies or is removed, the water quality goes down and the fish leave. It’s an indicator of environmental degradation” said Gail Sutton, director and co-founder of the institute’s Oyster Recycling Program, Sink Your Shucks.  Oyster reefs are Texas' most endangered habitat, and their current depletion also compromises ecosystem health. As a result of hatchery output, a conservation-oriented aquaculture industry will be developed, which will contribute to overall restoration. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1695/malaysia-accelerator-program-plug-and-play-fosters-start-up-innovation-in-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1695/malaysia-accelerator-program-plug-and-play-fosters-start-up-innovation-in-agriculture.html Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:48:37 +0530 Plug and Play hosts inaugural Malaysia Expo Day in Kuala Lumpur with strategic partners Khazanah Nasional, CelcomDigi, Sime Darby Plantation, and EDOTCO Group Plug and Play held the inaugural Expo Day for its newly launched Malaysia Accelerator program which seeks to accelerate the growth of the innovation ecosystem in the country by working with leading corporations and startups across the globe. The event featured pitches from 10 startups that were selected to be part of the first batch of its Malaysia-based accelerator program. At the event, Khazanah Nasional ("Khazanah") shared about the Future Malaysia Programme and its commitment to accelerating innovation within the country. Together with other Malaysian conglomerates such as CelcomDigi, Sime Darby Plantation, and EDOTCO Group, Plug and Play aims to scale the startups' solutions and drive substantial socio-economic impact within Malaysia. The Malaysia Accelerator program focuses on pivotal founding themes such as Digital Society & Technology Hub, Sustainability & Climate Resilience, and Food Security & Agriculture. Khazanah Managing Director Dato' Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said, "Khazanah, through our Advancing Malaysia strategy, is committed to nation-building and economic empowerment, in support of the government's aspiration of bolstering the nation's resilience, advancing economic transformation and improving socioeconomic outcomes. The Future Malaysia Programme, an initiative under Dana Impak, is a representation of that commitment specifically for local entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses to spur innovation and economic growth, by driving strategic collaborations within Malaysia's startup and corporate venture ecosystem." "It is encouraging and exciting to be part of something that is driven by innovation, especially creating new synergies between startups and corporates. We are committed to collaborating with other companies and exploring new solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, IR4.0, Web 3.0, digital SME solutions, electrification, etc. This is further made possible through CelcomDigi's Innovation Centre, which is dedicated to exploring and developing innovative technologies while creating a vibrant ecosystem where startups can thrive and make a meaningful impact," shared T. Kugan, Chief Innovation Officer, CelcomDigi. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1671/china-strengthens-crops-husbandry-supply-chain-for-emergency-climate-response.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1671/china-strengthens-crops-husbandry-supply-chain-for-emergency-climate-response.html Thu, 28 Dec 2023 09:47:46 +0530 According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China has stepped up efforts to maintain production and supply of crops, vegetables, fruits, and livestock amid sweeping cold waves. Following the issuance of detailed precautionary measures on crops and husbandry, the ministry dispatched working groups to provide on-site guidance to local authorities and farmers and launched the highest emergency response of the four-tier system for low-temperature rain, snow and freezing disasters in 18 provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, Tianjin, Guangdong and Chongqing.  Comprising experts in wheat, rapeseed, vegetables, fruit, and disaster prevention and mitigation, 25 working groups were dispatched to different regions to conduct on-site investigations, evaluate the development of impact and provide technical instructions.  In northern China, the ministry proposed to strengthen the classification management of winter wheat and implement graded irrigation for late-planted wheat seedlings to mitigate the impact of the cold weather. Farmers are advised to pay attention to the maintenance and reinforcement of greenhouses and animal shelters and conduct snow clearing in a timely manner.  In southern China, farmers are advised to implement protective measures against freezing and water logging for rapeseed, open-field vegetables and fruit trees. Also, efforts should be made to allocate and transport disaster relief seeds, fertilizers, fodder, vaccines and other production materials as needed.  According to the China Meteorological Administration, the impact of the heavy snowfall is approaching its end, but a strong cold wave accompanying the snow is moving north to south and affecting the central and eastern parts of China. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1603/sustainable-markets-initiative-agribusiness-task-force-launches-blended-finance-framework.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1603/sustainable-markets-initiative-agribusiness-task-force-launches-blended-finance-framework.html Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:30:55 +0530 To make regenerative farming mainstream  At COP 28, the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Agribusiness Task Force announced the launch of a new blended finance framework that could unlock trillions of dollars for regenerative agriculture. A task force of companies including Mars, McCain Foods, McDonald's, Mondelez International, PepsiCo and Waitrose, unveil a plan to make regenerative farming financially viable and scalable; explore implementation projects in India, the UK and the US; welcome Lloyds Banking Group to boost cross-industry support, and call for policy changes to help support its implementation. The global food system currently creates ~30% of human produced GHG emissions and is the greatest driver to nature loss. Embracing regenerative farming globally could help provide a third of the land-based climate action needed by 2030, but as the Sustainable Markets Initiative Agribusiness Task Force found last year, the economics do not work for most farmers. The Task Force including Bayer, Indigo Ag and Olam Agri, today outlines a four-lever framework to accelerate the scaling of regenerative farming, built on: New funding and sourcing models; Introduction of common metrics; Suggested government policy changes; and A plan to create new revenue streams for farmers. "New funding and sourcing models" is a first-of-its-kind blended finance model combining philanthropic support, catalytic capital from asset managers, commercial capital offered at preferential rates from banks, longer-term contract commitments from food businesses to source sustainable commodities, and crop insurance from insurance companies helping de-risk farming operations. A "plan to create new revenue streams for farmers" proposes a way to create more revenue for farmers by allowing them to capture carbon credits during a field's entire rotation, not just when it is in-use. Titled the Ecosystem Services Market, the approach means when a field is farmed to supply a buyer, regenerative practices can help the buyer's Scope 3 footprint; then during a year when the farmer is resting the field to recover soil health and biodiversity, the farmer can continue selling carbon credits to other buyers outside of their value chain. Complementing solutions to make regenerative farming financially viable, are proposals to make it scalable. The Task Force suggests the "introduction of common metrics", which would give regenerative farming a universally understood and scalable approach, and 10 "suggested government policy changes" which could help unlock $1.2 trillion that regenerative agriculture can add to the worldwide economy. Policy recommendations include financial advice and training support to farmers implementing regenerative farming, and those carrying out Research and Development; promoting regenerative farming terms in trade agreements; and creating incentives for landowners to encourage regenerative techniques by tenants. The Task Force reveals it is exploring at least four farming projects to prove its concept. These include rice in India, involving Bayer and Olam; canola and wheat projects in Poland, involving Mars, PepsiCo and ADM; wheat projects in the US, involving Mondelez and Indigo AG; and potatoes and other crops in the UK, involving McCain, McDonald's, Waitrose, PepsiCo, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1553/indonesian-shrimp-farm-kse-earns-asc-certification.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1553/indonesian-shrimp-farm-kse-earns-asc-certification.html Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:08:07 +0530 An Indonesian shrimp farm—PT. Koyo Segoro Endah (KSE) —has become the first farm to earn ASC certification after participating in an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) under the Improver Programme by Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).   ASC’s Improver Programme supports seafood farms that are committed to improving their farming practices through an AIP and are not yet ready or eligible for ASC certification.   “Our ASC certification means that we now have a place in the global marketplace and are meeting the demand for responsibly farmed shrimp—a milestone we couldn’t have reached without ASC’s Improver Programme” said Rudyanto, Farm Manager of KSE.   KSE’s journey to ASC certification has been an effort of multiple partners, including processor Sekar Bumi, NGO ThinkAqua, ASC and NGO Yayasan Sinergi Akuakultur Indonesia (YSAI) as implementer for the AIP.   ASC already drives and supports improvements in seafood farming at scale across the world through its certification programme. For those not ASC certified, the Improver Programme by ASC has been created to support farms who are not ready or eligible for ASC certification but are committed to improving their farming practices through an AIP. The combined impact of these many small changes in non-certified seafood farming contribute to ASC’s goal of transforming seafood farming, as a whole, for the future.   With the programme’s initial focus on shrimp farms, additional species will be eligible in the future.   When an AIP joins ASC’s Improver Programme, it is supported along one of two routes: AIP to ASC certification or AIP to Better Practices. Through the first route, ASC supports the farm to improve performance to a level at which it is ready to become ASC certified. Through the second route, ASC supports the farm to improve their practices in specific environmental or social areas without ASC certification as the end-goal.  "Our mission at ASC is to drive the transformation of global aquaculture towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility, but making improvements in that direction hasn’t been possible for many farms,” said Roy van Daatselaar, global lead for the Improver Programme by ASC. “Our Improver Programme gives these farms a well-supported, staged approach to make improvements and ultimately attain ASC certification. KSE’s certification is evidence that step-by-step improvement works, and we extend a big congratulations to them on the great work they have done. As a quality supplier to global markets, we know that there is increasing demand for ASC certified shrimp. The AIP process gave us a pipeline to supply that demand,” said Pak Gary Iyawan, Operations Director at Sekar Bumi. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1552/vietnam-advocates-green-ips-development-to-attract-foreign-investors-in-agri-economy.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1552/vietnam-advocates-green-ips-development-to-attract-foreign-investors-in-agri-economy.html Mon, 20 Nov 2023 10:49:39 +0530 Vietnam Industrial Parks Forum 2023 plans for green development in the future with the total number of IPs has reached 413 nationwide Vietnam Industrial Parks Forum 2023 on November 16 hears of plans for green development in the future. Vietnam Investment and Trade promotion Center recently reported that, Industrial parks (IPs) are now on the way to ensuring a balance between the economy, society, and the environment for sustainable development and green growth. Concentrated wastewater drainage systems are in place at 267 of the 295 IPs in operation nationwide, or 90.5 per cent. According to Vuong Thi Minh Hieu, Deputy Director of the Economic Zones Management Department at the Ministry of Planning and Investment, who was one of the speakers at the Vietnam Industrial Parks Forum 2023 on November 16, with the theme “Towards Green Growth”, as of the end of October, since the setting up of the first IP, the Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone, in Ho Chi Minh City in 1991, the total number of IPs has reached 413 nationwide, including 369 outside of economic zones, 37 inside coastal economic zones, and seven in border gate economic zones, covering an area of nearly 120,000 ha in total, of which industrial land stood at 87,700 ha. Of the 413 IPs, 295 covering a total area of 92,000 ha, including 63,000 ha of industrial land, have been put into operation. Meanwhile, 118 others are under construction, covering a total area of 37,500 ha, including 24,700 ha of industrial land. The occupation rate at operating IPs is about 73 per cent on average. Under plans for the development of coastal economic zones approved by the Prime Minister, 19 such zones cover a total area of 871,500 ha, including 583,100 ha of land (or 1.75 per cent of the national land area), and 288,400 ha of sea area. Regarding State management over IPs, according to Ms. Hieu, a law on industrial and economic zones will be built to encourage the effective their operations, including favorable conditions for them to compete globally. She said that to achieve the goal of sustainable development it is necessary to be selective in investments and not develop IPs on fertile agricultural land, especially high-yielding rice fields, and in regions where site clearance and compensation would be difficult.  Procedures for securing IP investment licenses have been simplified, she added, with ten regulations from Government Decree No. 82/2018/ND-CP reduced to six under Decree No. 35/2022/ND-CP. Dr. Nguyen Cong Ai, Deputy General Director of KPMG Vietnam, another speaker at the forum, noted the negative impact from the fact that the US and Europe want to reclaim some investment capital flows to ensure independence in their economies, for fear that economic globalization may make their economies unsafe. That, according to Dr. Ai, may negatively impact Vietnam’s FDI flows. In the first nine months of this year, FDI into Vietnam increased 7.7 per cent year-on-year. It is expected that the increase will continue in the final quarter of the year, as investors from Northeastern Asia, like China, Japan, and South Korea, remain among the largest in terms of capital. However, according to Dr. Ai, the US is still expected to pour more investment capital into Vietnam, as a result of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam in September. According to a survey conducted by KPMG Vietnam on 200 FDI enterprises, the factors deciding their investment in an IP is location and then human resources and primary infrastructure such as electricity and water supply. The Vietnamese Government should map out a national strategy for FDI attraction, with flexible policies in the context of complex economic and geopolitical developments globally. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1514/australia-grants-au10-million-to-aid-winemakers-and-cider-producers.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1514/australia-grants-au10-million-to-aid-winemakers-and-cider-producers.html Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:25:52 +0530 The average grant size is $47,847 and the maximum grant will be $53,905, Australia has provided $10 million worth of grants to wine and cider producers across the country to help attract visitors to wine regions and promote agri-tourism. The Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program supports cellar door operators to upgrade their infrastructure, support regional employment and increase demand for Australian wine. The average grant size is $47,847 and the maximum grant will be $53,905. The grants are based on eligible cellar door sales made during the previous financial year. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the program is an important support for Australian wine and cider businesses. “Our wine and cider producers have faced significant challenges in recent years, especially with the loss of the important China market. We worked hard to see China agree to review its tariffs on Australian wine, we have also continued to support the industry through programs like this. Since the first round opened in 2019, more than $50 million in grants have been provided. This fifth round provides $10 million to 209 wine and cider businesses to help attract visitors different wine regions around the country. These local wine businesses and cellar door operators enrich our rural and regional areas every day." ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1503/australian-innovation-competition-merits-cutting-edge-farm-solutions-and-technological-advancements.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1503/australian-innovation-competition-merits-cutting-edge-farm-solutions-and-technological-advancements.html Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:10:33 +0530 Five industry pioneers EarFlo, Innofocus, Ripen Tech, Vaulta and Zondii have been recognised as Australia's leading innovators harnessing technology to solve real-world problems The Australian Innovation Competition has rewarded progressive industries which demonstrates technologically-driven creativity through solutions with potential to transform their sectors. Health, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, software, social, environmental, resources and industrial applications were represented by over 180 entries submitted to the competition, with the winners selected based on aggregate scores from the seven judges. Innofocus has developed a high-performance flexible film that can cool down any covered object without consuming electricity, with the nanostructure on its surface allowing objects to radiate heat completely into outer space while completely avoiding solar heat absorption in the visible and infrared. Use cases in industries such as agriculture, transportation and energy storage have the potential to significantly reduce carbon footprints. Ripen Tech has developed an IoT device that weighs fruit in real-time while it is still on the plant, removing the need for wastage and inaccurate measures through visual estimation. This will replace the need to use traditional methods that are inaccurate and lead to common downstream issues such as product rejections, helping growers avoid fruit loss by offering highly accurate yield impacts before harvest. Vaulta has developed an Australian made, long duration battery storage product using advanced composite materials and a smart, streamlined design for its casing that condenses multiple functions into fewer parts. Vaulta's simple no-weld design means modules can be easily assembled and disassembled, while cells can be reused and recycled, reducing waste and, crucially, giving batteries a second life. Zondii's simple handheld device replaces expensive on-farm legacy technology that woolgrowers have used to-date to class wool. It helps them save time and money on mustering labour and with instant micron measurement, makes on-farm breeding and classing decisions more efficient and effective. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1491/foa-strives-to-achieve-gender-inclusive-advance-agrifood-systems-transformation-in-asia-and-the-pacific.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1491/foa-strives-to-achieve-gender-inclusive-advance-agrifood-systems-transformation-in-asia-and-the-pacific.html Mon, 23 Oct 2023 01:49:48 +0530 Empowering women in Asia and the Pacific to accelerate an agrifood systems transformation In Asia and the Pacific, as rural women play a pivotal role across food systems, contributing to agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, and livestock sectors. However, they often face many of these significant challenges in accessing essential resources. In wage employment within agriculture, rural women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific recently on 'International Day of Rural Women' voiced regarding inclusive opportunities to break barriers to ensure gender equality, improve access to water resources, and promote financial inclusion for rural women. According to FAO’s 2023 ‘Status of Women in Agrifood Systems’ report, bridging the gender gap in farm productivity and the wage gap would increase global gross domestic product (GDP) by nearly $1 trillion and would reduce food-insecurity for 45 million people. In southern Asia, 71 percent of women are working in agrifood systems, compared with 47 percent of men. Despite their active contribution to food security, women are more likely to experience food insecurity than men. Robert Simpson, Special Adviser to the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific said that “it is crucial to address gender issues in policies, programmes and investments in agriculture and food systems. FAO recognizes the potential of rural women and men in achieving food security and is committed to overcoming gender inequality in the region". FAO’s regional programmes focus on promoting financial inclusion and breaking down the barriers that have limited their access to credit, savings, and insurance. In the Asia-Pacific region, FAO collaborates with Member Nations in promoting gender equality at the policy and strategic levels while addressing gender gaps within communities through women’s economic empowerment. For example, FAO has employed initiatives on behalf of Members to improve water access for rural women, enable them to irrigate their crops, generate livelihoods, and lead healthier lives. The FAO Regional Gender Strategy and Action Plan 2022–25 approach commitments to the "Four Betters" - better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1472/asean-and-cgiar-launch-joint-program-on-accelerating-innovation-in-agri-food-systems.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1472/asean-and-cgiar-launch-joint-program-on-accelerating-innovation-in-agri-food-systems.html Wed, 18 Oct 2023 09:39:17 +0530 CGIAR has been working with the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Member States, and a range of funding and other partners to develop this multi-year research and innovation program. The ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Regional Program was officially launched during the 45th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 4, 2023. This program aims to scale up and scale out integrated innovations in order to enhance the resilience of ASEAN's agri-food systems to climate change. "Over the next 10 years, the program envisions delivering better livelihoods for food producers and stakeholders, while ensuring affordable, nutritious, and healthy food for consumers. Additionally, it seeks to foster a healthier natural environment for all," said Dr. Jongsoo Shin, the ASEAN-CGIAR Regional Program Director. Dr. Stephan Weise, ASEAN-CGIAR Program Co-Director, emphasized that "the Program aims to be bottom-up, cross and trans-disciplinary. It is being co-created and, therefore, is fully co-owned by ASEAN partners." Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Malaysia, who is also the AMAF Chair, extended his gratitude to CGIAR for developing the Intervention Packages (IPs) that are in line with the 9 thematic areas to address comprehensively, the needs of the country's food, land and water systems. He stressed that the ASEAN-CGIAR Regional Program "underscores the dedication and commitment of AMS towards achieving a competitive, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food and agriculture sector in our region." Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, the Secretary General of ASEAN, emphasized that the program is "formulated to address the above-mentioned challenges by leveraging cutting-edge research, technology, and innovation that enhance the resilience of the agricultural system. With eight intervention packages, the Programme will catalyse transformative change, enabling us to adapt to the evolving needs of our region, particularly with the impact of climate change."  Under the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food Regional Program, the following eight IPs were developed: Regenerative Agriculture/Aquaculture Practices and Judicious Agrochemical Use  Climate Neutrality and Circular Agriculture Enhancing ASEAN Agrobiodiversity Use and Landscape Biodiversity Enhancing Value Chains and Regional Trade Transboundary Pests and Diseases Private Sector Investment and Sustainable Financing Farmer-Led Irrigation for Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems Food Systems Transformation for More Nutritious and Healthy Diets Dr. Ajay Kohli, the Director General of IRRI and Senior Leadership Team Member of CGIAR, represented Professor Andrew Campbell, the CGIAR Executive Managing Director, and shared that the Program, which can be a model on how to cater to client's needs, is "not just about creating technologies, but using the policies and taking them to the farmers and industries, and making a difference and empower man's life." Representatives from the funding partners expressed statements of support for the Program. Will Nankervis, Australian Ambassador to ASEAN, said "The Program will serve as a catalyst for even deeper collaboration to promote food security in The region". He shared that the Australian government had contributed an additional AU$1M bringing its total contribution to the Program to over AU$3M. To add, Dr. Daniel Walker, Chief Scientist of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, shared that the Program will be a platform to strengthen Australia's partnership with ASEAN and CGIAR. Sarah Tiffin, the Ambassador of UK to ASEAN announced that UK will contribute an additional GBP 2M to the Program, bringing a total contribution of GBP 2.25M. The Program Launch, which was attended by high-level officials from the AMS and CGIAR experts, as well as funders, was a celebratory event marking a significant milestone in the Program. The event also acknowledged the promise of scaling up innovative solutions for positive transformation across ASEAN's agri-food systems, benefiting various stakeholders. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1470/australia-launches-new-interactive-grape-price-indicators-dashboard-for-winegrape-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1470/australia-launches-new-interactive-grape-price-indicators-dashboard-for-winegrape-industry.html Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:12:51 +0530 With the investment of $AU1 million dashboard helps farmers to avail greater price transparency for informed decision making as per the market trends Australia has launched a new tool to increase price transparency in the winegrape industry that is set to be a great benefit for producers and consumers. The practical tool would meet growers’ needs for greater price transparency. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt formally launched the new interactive Grape Price Indicators dashboard during his address to the Rural Press Club of Victoria. The dashboard, which brings together 12 different data sources and displays 21 charts in a user-friendly layout, gives a clear picture of the future direction of commercial winegrape prices. “This tool will provide growers with relevant and easily accessible market information, helping to redress the power imbalances that have traditionally existed in the winegrape and other perishable-goods supply chains. The dashboard will provide them with the tools and insights they need to make informed business decisions” Minister Watt said. The dashboard project, part of a $1 million investment from the Federal Government, has been delivered by Wine Australia and overseen by a consortium comprising Australian Grape & Wine, the Inland Wine Regions Alliance and Wine Australia. Wine Australia CEO Dr Martin Cole said that the design of the dashboard was a result of a significant co-design and consultation process with the inland growers and their representatives. The consortium will now work with grape growers across the sector so everyone is best placed to begin using it. The dashboard complements other elements of the project funding, including a digital online analytics platform, and independent winegrape price forecasts to help growers and the wine industry better understand their market and price transparency issues. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1458/australia-invests-450000-to-foster-seafood-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1458/australia-invests-450000-to-foster-seafood-industry.html Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:45:00 +0530 Project will deduce impacts of emerging marine activities and climate change pressures on fishing and aquaculture. To support industry growth, improve sustainability and identify emerging issues impacting the aquaculture and fisheries industries, Australia  government, industry and research partners have launched the Futures of Seafood project. Australian Government is contributing $450,000 for research to identify potential future opportunities for the sectors and emerging impacts on them.  Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt joined representatives from Seafood Industry Australia and the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre in Hobart to launch the project. “This project will paint a clearer picture of the impacts of emerging marine activities and climate change pressures on fishing and aquaculture. By mapping and modeling current impacts facing the industry, we can help the fishing and aquaculture industries succeed, through better planning for the future" said Murray Watt. ABARES estimates that the gross value of Australian fisheries and aquaculture production grew by 8.2% in 2022–23 to $3.63 billion, demonstrating the importance of this industry to Australia. The Fisheries Research and Development Cooperation (FRDC), funded jointly by the Federal Government and industry, is supportive of this project, and is working with Seafood Industry Australia and Blue Economy CRC to ensure collaboration across the fishing and aquaculture stakeholders.  Managing Director of the FRDC Dr Patrick Hone said “all fishing and aquaculture sectors are facing uncertainty as the aquatic environment responds to climate change and new sectors seek to access the resource. This project will be a major collaborative science contribution to ensuring Australia’s aquatic environments are healthy and resilient and ensure stakeholders that utilise these resources can contribute now and for future generations”. Seafood Industry Australia CEO Veronica Papacosta said “Seafood is part of Australia's identity. The critical need for this project is to understand the breaking points and challenges to be faced and identify the growth opportunities for the futures of the Australian seafood industry. Futures of Seafood is a series of work programs and outputs that will shape the future of the Australian seafood industry, marking a pivotal step in our journey toward a sustainable and thriving domestic seafood industry.” Director Blue Policy and Planning at Blue Economy CRC, Angela Williamson said "seafood plays an important role in Australia’s coastal communities, jobs and nutritional security. It has been at the heart of towns like Lakes Entrance, Eden, and regions like the Spencer Gulf and East coast of Tasmania. This world leading study will profile and map our seafood footprint, provide evidence-based insights and chart a course for Australia’s futures of seafood alongside other ocean uses for the coming 10-15 years.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1448/rockefeller-and-ait-partner-to-drive-climate-resilient-agriculture-solutions-in-southeast-asia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1448/rockefeller-and-ait-partner-to-drive-climate-resilient-agriculture-solutions-in-southeast-asia.html Mon, 09 Oct 2023 10:11:32 +0530 The Rockefeller Foundation and The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) join forces to catalyze regenerative agriculture practices and aligns with Rockefeller Foundation's $1 billion climate strategy grant In its continued endeavor to enhance climate change resilience in Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation will support the AIT to catalyze regenerative agriculture practices in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states of Cambodia, Laos People's Democratic Republic, and Thailand. The AIT and The Rockefeller Foundation forged their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed to establish a framework for collaboration between the two organizations. The collaboration aims to join forces to catalyze regenerative agriculture practices, minimize climate change impacts, and promote sustainable food production in Southeast Asia. This grant aligns with The Rockefeller Foundation's recently announced $1 billion, five-year climate strategy, which aims to promote human opportunity while propelling climate solutions. The collaboration aims to benefit farmers, policymakers, researchers, and communities by driving climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable practices in Southeast Asia. The collaboration seeks to address critical challenges in the agriculture sector – including climate change impacts, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable food production – by emphasizing nature-positive solutions characterized by regenerative, non-depleting, and non-destructive production systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance agricultural sustainability. The collaboration aims to support farmers, policymakers, researchers, and communities by driving climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable practices in Southeast Asia. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1445/australia-extends-horticulture-netting-infrastructure-grants-to-all-sa-regions.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1445/australia-extends-horticulture-netting-infrastructure-grants-to-all-sa-regions.html Fri, 06 Oct 2023 09:57:30 +0530 Expanding the scheme to more regions will help horticulturists, orchardists and winegrape growers to better protect their livelihoods from extreme weather and pests Grants of up to $300,000 will be available to growers across South Australia to purchase netting to protect their crops. The $14.6 million Horticulture Netting Infrastructure Grants scheme, funded by the Federal Government in 2020 and coordinated by the State Government, initially focused on primary producers from the Riverland and Adelaide Hills/Greater Adelaide regions who had been impacted by repeated severe hail events between 2016-2019. Applications close on 30 June 2024, or when all funds are allocated. All projects funded under the grants must be completed by 30 June 2025. Now, the program has been extended to all regions of South Australia, subsidising up to 50% for new or replacement protective netting. Expanding the scheme to more regions will help horticulturists, orchardists and winegrape growers to better protect their livelihoods from extreme weather and pests, while also reducing evaporation and saving water. Australia has partnered with the Malinauskas Government to deliver the extension of this program to support SA’s vital ag sector.  Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said, “South Australian growers have already benefited from the program, and it’s great to see more producers now eligible. The program aims to protect the horticulture industry from more extreme weather in the future, while also lowering watering costs and keeping out pests”. SA Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven said, “Horticulturists, grape growers and orchardists are particularly vulnerable to hail damage, so this targeted netting infrastructure scheme has real positive impact on their profitability and on-going viability. We have seen how valuable the program has been to the existing areas. Extending the reach of the scheme will benefit even more producers and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to these important sectors”. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1438/philippines-to-support-budding-agripreneurs-through-young-farmers-challenge-program.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1438/philippines-to-support-budding-agripreneurs-through-young-farmers-challenge-program.html Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:12:54 +0530 DA’s YFC Program offers financial grant assistance to young Filipinos eager to engage in new agri-fishery enterprises. Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting the youth who want to implement their agribusiness venture as it launched the 2023 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program on September 28, 2023, at the Coconut Palace in Pasay City. Now in its third year, the DA’s YFC Program, which is undertaken in collaboration with the office of Senator Imee Marcos and the Government Service Insurance System, offers financial grant assistance to young Filipinos eager to engage in new agri-fishery enterprises. The grant will serve as initial capital for their intended business endeavor.  “The Department of Agriculture created the Young Farmers Challenge Program to produce the gains of global enterprises with the training and capital they need to make the best of challenges beforehand. Thousands of people have competed in the Young Farmers competitive grant program since its inception. The DA has awarded Php 149 million in grants to 3,000 young entrepreneurs since 2021,” DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban said during the launching. This year, the YFC program brings forth two components: YFC Upscale and YFC Intercollegiate Competition. The exhibit showcased YFC awardees’ agricultural products from different regions in the country. YFC Upscale is a head-to-head business pitch competition in which previous YFC awardees will receive additional capitalization of up to Php 500,000 financial assistance to improve and upscale their operations.  Meanwhile, the YFC Intercollegiate competition is a contest for students from State Universities and Colleges, taking up agriculture-related courses.  Senator Imee Marcos highlighted the youth’s potential in agribusiness and emphasized the importance of empowering them to become professional farmer business owners. Aside from providing capital grants, the YFC program also offers various development assistance like coaching and mentoring, product promotion, and business development assistance to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registration ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1435/five-queenslands-regions-complete-landmark-drought-resilience-plans-in-australia.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1435/five-queenslands-regions-complete-landmark-drought-resilience-plans-in-australia.html Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:52:41 +0530 Queensland’s rural and agricultural communities will be in a stronger position to adapt to drought and climate change as Australia invests in drought resilience planning. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt and Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner announced Drought Resilience Plans for the first five Queensland regions - Fitzroy and Capricornia, Darling Downs, Burdekin and Charters Towers, Torres Strait and Cape York and South West Queensland - have now been finalised, ensuring Queenslanders are as ready as possible for the next drought. The Plans have been developed by Councils, in partnership with regional communities, farmers and industry, and cover a range of areas including community wellbeing, resilient local businesses and economies, building skills and leadership, landscapes, and collaboration. Each region will be supported with a grant of up to $300,000 to help kick-start implementation of priority actions identified in their plans. Queensland regions will also be able to access up to $150,000 for an implementation officer to help put the plans into action. The Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program is funded through the Future Drought Fund, by the Federal and Queensland Governments. Explaining that the plans were an important part of community readiness for drought, Minister Watt said, “These plans represent a great deal of work by regional communities to share their experience, knowledge, and ideas. They set out how businesses, councils and people in these communities are going to prepare and hold their community together in the event of another drought. Each region and community can come together to share their experience and knowledge to build a plan with locally tailored actions to prepare for future droughts.  The Rural Economies Centre of Excellence were engaged during the pilot program to work with the communities to develop the plans. Drought Resilience Plans for the remaining nine regions within the State are now underway, with completion set for 2024. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1399/bayer-collaborates-with-abag-to-encourage-women-protagonism-in-agribusiness.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1399/bayer-collaborates-with-abag-to-encourage-women-protagonism-in-agribusiness.html Wed, 20 Sep 2023 09:07:46 +0530 Women of Agro Award launches category to recognize researchers in the sector with an incentive of R$ 15 thousand   Bayer has partnered with the Brazilian Agribusiness Association (ABAG) on an initiative that recognizes the protagonism of 45 rural producers from various parts of Brazil. Four researchers are competing for the title and the linked institution will receive R$15,000 as an incentive. Voting is open until October 5. An award category for Science and Research is introduced as an acknowledgment of women's role in various aspects of agribusiness. Bayer invests around 2.8 billion euros per year in research and development because it understands the importance of research for the sector. The sixth edition of the Women of Agro Award will recognize rural producers who adopt agricultural practices anchored in the ESG ( environmental, social and governance ) pillars. The same rule applies to the new category, with the difference that projects with impact or great scientific scope will be valued.  "We want to emphasize the advancement that science and research bring, in terms of sustainability and innovation in agribusiness, while reinforcing how women's protagonism is present both inside and outside the gate", comments Isabela Fagundes, corporate communications specialist at the division Bayer's agricultural sector. Institutions and companies partnering with the Award nominated 19 names for final evaluation. Therefore, to reach the finalists, a technical group carried out evaluations based on the following criteria: lattes curriculum analysis, relevance of projects to sustainability and agribusiness development, in addition to scientific impact, and the relationship with innovation and technology. Since 2018, the Women of Agro Award has recognized rural producers from different regions of the country for their good agricultural practices, with an emphasis on innovation and sustainability. This year, with the change in theme, the awards include property managers and owners who have practices anchored in the ESG pillars. The award covers the first three places in each category (small, medium and large property), which means a total of nine finalists, and the winners will be announced on October 25th, at the National Congress of Agribusiness Women, in conjunction with the announcement of the winner of the Science and Research category. The researchers, nominated by the Award's partner institutions, are: Thais Vieira (USP-Esalq), Débora Milori (Embrapa Instrumentação), Patricia Monquero (UFSCAR) and Mariangela Virgínia (Embrapa Soja). The winner will be chosen by popular vote on the awards website and announced on October 25th, during the National Congress of Women in Agribusiness. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1324/indonesia-embarks-on-rejuvenating-778-hectares-of-palm-oil-smallholders-plantation.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1324/indonesia-embarks-on-rejuvenating-778-hectares-of-palm-oil-smallholders-plantation.html Wed, 23 Aug 2023 09:52:25 +0530 Asian Agri extends multilateral partnership to bring Indonesian smallholders under the cooperative to achieve rapid progress over replanting their plantation In Indonesia, three village unit cooperatives (KUD) partnered with Asian Agri to form a Partnership Agreement (PKS) to distribute funding assistance for the People’s Palm Oil Replanting Program (PSR) with the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) and the banking sector. As part of Asian Agri's partner cooperative program, 300 hectares of land are being replanted in Kampung Bukit Agung, Kerinci Kanan District, Siak Regency, Riau, KUD Sumber Rezeki, Kampung Bukit Agung, Kerinci Kanan District, Siak Regency, Riau, KUD Jaya Makmur, Kampung Kumbara Utama, Kerinci Kanan District, Siak Regency, Riau, and KUD Bukit Makmur, Sencano Jaya Village, Batang Peranap District, Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau. BPDPKS Director of Fund Collection, Sunari, said, “As is known that PSR is a national strategic program as part of the Government’s efforts to increase the productivity of national oil palm plantations. Therefore, through the signing of the cooperation agreement between the 3 parties in this X (ten) phase, it is hoped that synergies will be established between BPDPKS, banks, and Cooperatives or Smallholder Groups to be able to accelerate the target achievement of the PSR program”. The Indonesian Government is supporting Asian Agri's partner smallholders in funding this replanting program through BPDPKS and the banking sector. Oil palm plantations that are ready to be replanted will greatly benefit from the funds. Asian Agri’s Head of Partnerships, Rudy Rismanto explained “that carrying out 100% of the partner smallholder replanting program is one of the first pillar targets in the Asian Agri 2030 sustainability commitment that Asian Agri has launched since February 2022. In achieving the Asian Agri 2030 target, we are always committed to providing assistance to partner smallholders, both providing knowledge about the best oil palm plantation practices, providing high-quality Topaz seeds to optimize productivity, assisting the loan process to finance the process of rejuvenating smallholders’ oil palm plantations, to assisting them to do other businesses outside of oil palm plantations as alternative income. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1291/national-agricultural-technology-center-strengthen-field-management-in-china.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1291/national-agricultural-technology-center-strengthen-field-management-in-china.html Mon, 14 Aug 2023 10:58:25 +0530 To enhance field management and disaster prevention and mitigation, soybeans have been released to encourage strong plants, strong populations, and drum-enhancing grains. High temperatures and droughts have occurred in North and Southwest China since the spring sowing, causing local rainstorms and floods, and some soybeans were sown at a high density, leading to weak growth and soft stems, as well as late defertilization, lodging, and reduced yields. National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs' Scientific Fertilization Expert Guidance Group, developed technical guidance on soybean management to promote strong plants, strong populations, and drum granules in order to strengthen field management and disaster prevention and mitigation.   1. Top dressing to promote strong plants: For fields with weak growth and soft stems, appropriate amount of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers and potassium fertilizers should be added to supplement medium and trace elements to promote the growth of soybeans and enhance the strength of stems. Combined with cultivating for topdressing, apply 3-4 kg of diammonium phosphate, 1-2 kg of potassium sulfate or 2-3 kg of high-potassium compound fertilizer per mu. It can also be sprayed with 1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution and water-soluble fertilizer with medium and trace elements 1-2 times. 　　2. Strong control groups: Due to late sowing or variety reasons, some fields have just entered the initial flowering stage, and they are prone to flourishing when encountering high temperature and precipitation, so chemical control should be taken in time. Spray 10-20g of 5% uniconazole wettable powder per mu, and drones can be used to spray to control plant height, build strong colonies, and prevent later lodging. 　　3. Drainage and anti-lodging: It is currently the rainy season, and for fields that are prone to waterlogging, measures such as ditching and mechanical drainage must be taken in time to remove field water and stagnant water in the plow layer. After drainage, 0.5%-1% urea solution and 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can be sprayed on the leaves to promote the recovery of roots and plants. For soybean-corn strip compound planting, after the root system recovers, topdress fertilizer in time to increase nutrient supply. Slightly lodging plants can be lifted up manually, two rows are supported, and soil is fertilized. It is not advisable to manually lift up the plant when it is seriously lodging, so as not to break the plant. 　　4. Fertilizer spraying and drumming pellets: The peak period of fertilization is from flowering and pod formation to bulging grains. If there is defertilization, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, boron, molybdenum and other nutrients can be supplemented by foliar spraying to reduce grains, increase grain weight, and increase yield. For fields with weak plants, it is recommended to spray 0.1%-0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, and apply boron fertilizer 120-125g/mu. Spray foliar fertilizers containing amino acids, molybdenum fertilizers can also be sprayed to supplement nutrients and promote plant growth. . ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1272/philippines-boosts-it-agrihubs-in-caraga-by-php4-6-million.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1272/philippines-boosts-it-agrihubs-in-caraga-by-php4-6-million.html Wed, 09 Aug 2023 03:18:00 +0530 The aid is part of ATI’s “Techno Gabay Program” (TGP) to provide information and technology services in agriculture, fishery, forestry, and natural resources. The Agricultural Training Institute in the Philippines Caraga Region (ATI-13) provided a technology boost worth PHP4,600,000 to the various Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) centers in the area as of July 2023. “The FITS centers serve as info hubs in municipalities where our farmers and fisherfolk can source the needed information on agriculture and fishery technologies," said Fil Victor Babanto, ATI-13 information office chief. As of August 2023, the region has 46 existing FITS centers which received PHP100,000 in financial support from ATI-13, "intended to boost the information, education, and communication campaigns at the municipal levels on agriculture and fishery technologies,. FITS centers are located in Agusan del Sur. Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands.  At least PHP2.2 million was released to 38 Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) centers in various towns across Caraga earlier this month. The LSA centers serve as onsite learning facilities for farmers and fisherfolk in different villages. “The LSAs allow our farmers and fisherfolk to directly learn new technologies at the barangay levels. The ATI-13, as of Aug. 1, has provided PHP60,000 support each to these LSAs,” Babanto said. Highlighting various forms of assistance given recently to FITS centers in the region to enhance their information dissemination drive Babanto said, “At least five FITS centers were provided with PHP150,000 enhancement support since July this year through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund of the Department of Agriculture.” ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1239/australias-grdc-commits-1-billion-over-5-years-to-rde-boosting-the-nations-grains-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1239/australias-grdc-commits-1-billion-over-5-years-to-rde-boosting-the-nations-grains-industry.html Mon, 31 Jul 2023 11:21:00 +0530 GRDC launches RD&E Plan 2023-28 at the Australian Grains Industry Conference in Melbourne. Australia’s leading research investors, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has announced it will invest more than a billion dollars over the next five years in research, development, and extension (RD&E) for the nation’s grains industry. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, officially launched GRDC’s RD&E Plan 2023-28 at the Australian Grains Industry Conference in Melbourne on 26 July. “GRDC’s plan had been informed by extensive consultation with grains industry stakeholders and considered the needs and priorities of those set to benefit from ongoing RD&E investment. The GRDC is comprehensive and clear in its intent to challenge the status quo and stretch the industry over the next five years to maximize the impact of research investments" explained Minister Watt. GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart says the new plan would build on 30 years of RD&E investments with trusted and new research partners to deliver RD&E that improves the profitability and sustainability of Australian grain growers. “At any time GRDC manages more than 500 RD&E projects ranging in scope from multi-million-dollar national projects with university research partners and other Research Development Corporation, to small projects with farming systems groups designed to deliver against regional needs. There is a time-lag between discovery and adoption, so foresight is needed to ensure we have a portfolio of investments that delivers impact for the problems of today and tomorrow” says Hart. Over the life of the plan, GRDC will invest more than a billion dollars in grains RD&E investment in Australia. Through these investments, GRDC will seek to: Harness existing potential by helping growers to hit yield and profit targets across every paddock, every season. Reach new frontiers to deliver step changes in the productivity of crops beyond what we thought possible. Grow markets and capture value to ensure growers have access to a diversity of markets and get more for the crop. Thrive for future generations to ensure Australia’s grains industry remains a global leader in sustainability, for people, the planet and our long-term ability to farm. Strategically, the plan looks ahead to 2040, anticipating substantial changes in global crop mix and demand, the potential game-changing opportunities presented by new technologies, the need for action on increasing seasonal variability and production risk and changing consumer and investor demands. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1230/world-bank-commits-41-2million-to-reduce-carbon-emissions-in-vietnams-agriculture.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1230/world-bank-commits-41-2million-to-reduce-carbon-emissions-in-vietnams-agriculture.html Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:50:21 +0530 Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Minister Le Minh Hoan, and the World Bank (WB) held a delegation where Anna Wellenstein, World Bank Sustainable Development Director for East Asia Pacific, announced that $41.2 million will be allocated to Vietnam to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. The funds are the largest ever grant disbursed under the World Bank Carbon Fund.  Minister Le Minh Hoan projects that the grant will be a great aid for localities to participate in sustainable forest development as well as adapt to EU regulations on combating forest land encroachment, traceability of agricultural products from forests, and forest welfare. Key projects and cooperation includes; The project to repair and improve dam safety and the importance of the project. the next strategic partnership in the Water Sector Cooperation (VWE) program; Integrated Transformation and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Mekong Delta (MERIT) Project; Program of 1 million hectares of high-quality and low-carbon rice; The North Central Region Forest Emission Reduction Program (ERPA); The Sustainable Fisheries Development Project and the Multi-Stage Approach to Coastal Resiliency Phase 1. The two sides discussed how to remove obstacles in the implementation of projects and orientations. possibility of further expansion in the near future. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1199/australia-grants-au38-million-in-eid-rebates-for-nsw-sheep-and-goat-industry.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1199/australia-grants-au38-million-in-eid-rebates-for-nsw-sheep-and-goat-industry.html Wed, 19 Jul 2023 10:59:29 +0530 Supports sheep and goat industry implement mandatory individual electronic identification (eID) across NSW. Australia has committed more than $38 million to support the introduction of mandatory electronic identification (eID) in the sheep and goat sector across New South Wales (NSW). From 1 August 2023, the sheep and farmed goat supply chain will be able to access an NSW Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Rebate to assist impacted stakeholders in transitioning from the existing visual tag system to an eID one. The Rebate will first be rolled out to saleyards and processors, then producers and agents from 3 October 2023. Training is expected to commence later this year. The New South Wales government is contributing AU$31.4 million toward the scheme, with the Federal Government chipping in AU$7.2 million. The initiative demonstrates NSW's commitment to enhancing traceability systems and supporting the industry to meet objectives. NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty announced the commitment to farmers at the NSW Farmers Conference in Rosehill on 19 July. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the investment would go towards the cost of transitioning to an eID system. “Bringing in an eID system has very strong advantages for our farmers. When we can tell the story of every animal and prove to our consumers the integrity of our supply chains, we can reassure our trading partners that our products are being produced to the highest possible standards of quality and animal welfare. We have a great story to tell of our high-quality produce, and this opens up possibilities for accessing premium markets overseas. With data and transparency to back up our sustainable and rigorous standards will help in creating impressions globally” said Minister Watt. The rebate scheme, which will be administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) includes: 100% rebate to saleyards (due to high upfront costs) 50% rebate to processors 50% rebate to stock and station agents 50% rebate to producers The NSW Government will provide additional free eID-specific training and education to help producers, agents and those working in saleyards and processors to understand their requirements with respect to sheep and goat eID. “Better traceability will ensure we can respond faster if there is an outbreak of an emergency animal disease and therefore reduce potential impacts on animals, farmers and consumers worldwide. Through the NSW Sheep and Goat Traceability Reference Group and direct engagement with stakeholders across the supply chain, industry has been involved from the beginning” said NSW Minister Moriarty. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1178/malaysia-bioeconomy-corporation-appoints-ybrs-dr-lee-boon-chye-as-new-chairman.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1178/malaysia-bioeconomy-corporation-appoints-ybrs-dr-lee-boon-chye-as-new-chairman.html Fri, 14 Jul 2023 09:06:00 +0530 Bioeconomy Corporation supports Malaysian Agri biotech companies through fiscal incentives, grants, and guarantees Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation) has announced the appointment of YBrs Dr Lee Boon Chye as its new Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors on 11 July 2023. Appointed by the Honourable Prime Minister, Dr Lee Boon Chye succeeds YB Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid who retired on 16 December 2022. Bioeconomy Corporation facilitates the development of BioNexus Status companies in Malaysia. BioNexus Status is an accreditation given to international and Malaysian bio-based companies that qualify them for fiscal incentives, grants, and guarantees administered by Bioeconomy Corporation. The Malaysian Government has identified the biotechnology sector as one of the key strategic sectors that will support the growth of the Malaysian economy. The government planned to achieve its agricultural biotechnology goals through several key measures such as public financed research system, investment to enhance the innovative capacity (both human and physical capacity) of the national biotechnology research program, and creation of institutions and regulations. Malaysia has established Bioeconomy Corporation a one -stop centre for biotechnology; and three national R&D institutes, namely the Malaysia Agro-Biotechnology Institute (ABI), Institute of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Malaysia (IFNM) and Malaysia Genome Institute (GenoMalaysia). The policy also allows the government to provide various fiscal and tax incentives to biotechnology companies. The newly appointed Chairman, with his expertise and leadership, is poised to strengthen Bioeconomy Corporation's commitment to advance biotechnology and bio-based industries that harmonise economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability in Malaysia. YBrs Dr Lee is also instrumental in the development of the healthcare tourism industry in Malaysia through his directorship in Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1154/australia-removes-accu-water-rule-to-boost-carbon-farming-and-forestry-jobs.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1154/australia-removes-accu-water-rule-to-boost-carbon-farming-and-forestry-jobs.html Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:37:00 +0530 Approves $73.8 million in grant funding to support the establishment of new plantation forests whilie removing ‘water rule’ from the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) schemer Australia has removed the ‘water rule’ from the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) scheme, another crucial next step in reforming the nation’s carbon crediting system and creating jobs in regional Australia. The water rule – with its complex exceptions, has been an ad-hoc and ineffective way of managing water resources. The Australian Government is addressing this holistically, in partnership with states and territories, as part of the renewal of the National Water Initiative. Removing the ‘water rule’ creates certainty for forestry to better contribute to emissions reduction through increased participation in carbon farming and investment in new timber plantations. Plantations and farm forestry plantings store carbon, enabling growers to participate in the ACCU scheme to generate carbon credits and earn additional income from selling these credits. These credits are certified through the Clean Energy Regulator for compliance with the detailed requirements in ACCU scheme methods and rules to ensure they have integrity. Applications to register new plantations and tree planting projects in the ACCU scheme with a start date after 1 June 2024 will now be assessed without being subject to the water rule. The government has also approved 4 additional regions where tree planting projects can meet the water rule before its removal. They cover Regional Forestry Hubs in south and Central Queensland, North Queensland, the Northern Territory and Ord Valley, and southeast New South Wales. These newly approved regions are in addition to existing regions in Western Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. To further support new carbon farming projects and Australia’s forestry industry, the Government is also providing $73.8 million in grant funding to support the establishment of new plantation forests. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1146/senior-minister-tharman-shanmugaratnam-of-singapore-advocates-at-fao-conference-2023.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1146/senior-minister-tharman-shanmugaratnam-of-singapore-advocates-at-fao-conference-2023.html Thu, 06 Jul 2023 11:15:22 +0530 Minister highlighted that food and environmental challenges are great opportunities for growth and efficiency benefits the poor At the 43rd FAO Conference (1-7 July), Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Singapore's Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, told Ministers and Heads of Delegation that tackling food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and climate change impacts can be a major source of national and global economic growth.). Shanmugaratnam delivered this year's McDougall Memorial Lecture, held at every session of the Conference and honoring Frank Lidgett McDougall, an Australian agricultural expert who helped create FAO. A key point made by the Senior Minister during his presentation was that food should not be considered just as a problem of hunger or Sustainable Development Goal 2 (No Hunger), but as an integral part of ecological insecurity as a whole. The problem is not merely a burden for the world to share; it presents a huge opportunity for growth that must be embraced with optimism and action. Mapping a pathway “Compared to 1970, global hunger levels are about one-third lower today, a remarkable achievement. Current forecasts for food insecurity and childhood stunting in 2030 are unacceptable and may even be optimistic given the real risks of accelerating “tipping points” in the Earth system. Quantifying such risks may be hard but it is clear that “the direction of change is in the wrong direction,” Shanmugaratnam said. Approximately 3% of global gross domestic product will need to be invested annually for the next 30 years, but a successful mobilization of that amount of resources will result in significant growth. To tap into global capital markets for such investments, however, it is necessary to "make the system work as a system," which requires both policy reforms and national efforts to strengthen social trust. Furthermore, he also argued that traditional economistic views of a trade-off between sustainability and growth were mistaken in assuming perfect markets. “By deploying appropriate technologies, crafting markets and unleashing creative finance, countries have an opportunity to pursue and achieve higher-quality economic growth” explains Shanmugaratnam. In addition, a concerted effort to scale up innovation will catalyze fuller markets and more tools that can be accessed and affordably deployed, avoiding the need for harder trade-offs. Global water cycle In his lecture, Shanmugaratnam, who is currently also co-chair of the UN-backed Global Commission on the Economics of Water, also addressed the issue of water management, which is the main theme of the FAO Conference 2023. He emphasized the central role of improved water management in achieving global hunger, climate and environmental goals, noting that as agriculture is by far the main user of freshwater, agrifood systems are a critical arena for intervention. Shanmugaratnam highlighted the existence of a global water cycle, in which almost half the world’s rainfall is carried by atmospheric rivers that largely depend on forest soils, underscoring the importance of cooperation, collaboration and multilateralism. One of his chief theses was the need to put water pricing on a more sustainable basis. He contested the claim that pricing water would be unfair to the poor, arguing that they should be the main beneficiaries of more efficient use of water. He pointed to successful innovation in China and Vietnam in reducing water use in rice cultivation using sensors and innovative irrigation practices. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1129/australia-grants-au250k-to-boost-agriculture-market-intelligence.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1129/australia-grants-au250k-to-boost-agriculture-market-intelligence.html Mon, 03 Jul 2023 08:24:00 +0530 Targets to provide up-to-date monitoring on global prices, futures markets and fertiliser outlook through the Agriculture Market Information System (AMIS) The Australian government has committed $250,000 to promote a global initiative focused on improving agricultural market intelligence in order to benefit farmers and exporters. Government aims to support greater price transparency across the food supply chain and predictable agricultural trade. Speaking from the 43rd session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation conference in Rome, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said “Australia’s new funding contribution would provide up-to-date monitoring on global prices, futures markets and fertiliser outlook through the Agriculture Market Information System (AMIS). It provides a platform for governments around the world to coordinate policy actions and that helps to prevent unexpected price hikes. It is also vital for supporting global food security, and another way in which Australia is helping to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals”. AMIS plays an important role in disseminating trade information and technical market data to support the transparency and proper function of global agricultural markets. This information is vital for farmers to make evidence-based decisions, particularly grains producers and exporters. Farmers will benefit from increased global market certainty and predictability in global markets and supply chains. AMIS systematically compiles information on crop supply and demand monitors and reviews policy developments that affect agricultural markets. Australia has now provided $550,000 in total to support AMIS. AMIS provides data on the following areas:  World supply and demand for commodities such as wheat, maize, rice and soybeans. Crop conditions around the world Global policy developments International prices Futures markets Market indicators Fertiliser outlook Ocean freight markets. Minister Watt continued, “AMIS also supports informed decision-making by policy makers, analysts and those directly involved in the trade. AMIS was launched in 2011 by the G20 Ministers of Agriculture following the global food price hikes in 2007/08 and 2010. It is composed of G20 members plus Spain and seven additional major exporting and importing countries of agricultural commodities. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1106/australia-boosts-timber-plantations-with-au73-million-in-grants.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1106/australia-boosts-timber-plantations-with-au73-million-in-grants.html Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:40:00 +0530 The program will seek to establish up to 36,000 hectares of new plantation across Australia Australia is strengthening country's sustainable timber supply, with $73.76 million in federal grants to establish new forestry plantations. The Support Plantation Establishment program will provide grant funding over four years to help establish new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests. The program will seek to establish up to 36,000 hectares of new plantation across Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the program further emphasises the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting the forestry industry and regional communities, while reducing our carbon footprint. “The Albanese Government has delivered the most significant forest industry support package in Australia’s history, investing over $300 million to help improve the capacity and capability of the sector,” Minister Watt said. "By stimulating new growth in Australia's plantation forest estate, we are helping meet future demand for timber, increasing our carbon stocks, creating regional employment opportunities, and building a sustainable and prosperous future while meeting our climate emissions reduction commitments. “Under the previous Coalition Government, the size of Australia’s plantation forest estate declined, and estimates predict a shortfall of 3.4 million m3 in 2050 between domestic production and demand for softwood sawlogs—we have acted to prevent that from happening.” Australian Forest Products Association Acting CEO Natasa Sikman acknowledged the importance of the grants to the future of Australian forestry.   “AFPA welcomes this stimulus to drive the planting of more and much needed timber production trees to help secure Australia’s sovereign capability in timber and wood fibre supply, while helping Australia fight climate change and underpin regional jobs in key areas,” Ms Sikman said. The grants are open to private industry, First Nations businesses, farm foresters, and state and territory government forestry bodies. Applicants are required to provide a co-contribution at least equal to the grant amount awarded. This can be demonstrated by the value of the land the new plantation forests will be established on, financial means, or state, territory, or local grant funding. The Albanese Government will provide funding of $2,000 (GST exclusive) per 1 hectare of new long-rotation plantation forest established, with a minimum plantation area of 20 hectares to be eligible for a grant. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1035/australia-record-90b-in-production-and-75b-in-exports-in-farm-incomes-in-fy-2022-23.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1035/australia-record-90b-in-production-and-75b-in-exports-in-farm-incomes-in-fy-2022-23.html Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:19:00 +0530 Ministry elaborates priorities towards biosecurity, workforce, sustainability, and trade around Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia's Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Murray Watt summerised the achievement of the sector over the past one year. Discussing the progress, Minister Watt said, "Despite significant global challenges and major flooding at home in the last year, the sector continues to prosper with record production of $90 billion, record exports of $75 billion and high farm incomes across a range of industries. Now we want to build on that platform, focusing on our priorities of biosecurity, workforce, sustainability, and trade. The partnerships we have built, the listening we have done and the additional $2.3 billion in federal funding in the past year will support the sector as we continue to support it to reach its $100 billion goal.” Some of the majorly invested sectors are; Biosecurity : Since 2022, Australia has vigorously invested on sustainable funding model for biosecurity with permanent funding of $1.03 billion locked in. This is the first time an Australian government has ever provided such a significant funding injection, and it heralds the beginning of a new era of biosecurity protection in Australia. It is estimated that Australia has committed over $40 million for 65 Indigenous Ranger groups to participate in a North Australian Coordination Network, which will greatly enhance surveillance capabilities in the north of Australia. Among the significant achievements are, "keeping Australia free of Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease", "Delivering Australia’s first National Biosecurity Strategy", "Creation of a joint taskforce with the National Emergency Management Agency, increased preparedness for exotic animal disease incursions:, "Implementing a national traceability system for sheep and goats" and "Delivering critical support to overseas partners to combat exotic animal and plant diseases". Sustainable production and climate adaptation  Government has worked with our agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors to become even more sustainable by: Investing $302 million through the Natural Heritage Trust to drive climate-smart agriculture practices and sustainable agricultural outcomes, in partnership with industry Investing a record $300 million in the forestry sector that will support the expansion of the plantation estate, modernise our timber manufacturing and increase its role in reducing Australia’s emissions Investing $20 million to implement the National Soil Action Plan Committing over $38 million in ABARES for data and analytic capability to support the sector to face climate change Committing $29 million for the Methane Emissions Reduction in Livestock (MERiL) program and investing $8 million to advance seaweed farming—something that has potential to help reduce livestock emissions as a feed supplement  Committing $20.3 million to the Carbon Farming Outreach program  Joining the global community in its efforts to reduce emissions, including signing the Global Methane Pledge and the Forests and Climate Leaders Partnership Working with States and Territories to develop the first National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture Furthermore, Australia has committed to genuine sustainable production and best practices in animal welfare, which means that it meets the high standards expected by consumers and markets in the animal welfare sector. Such as, Investing $302 million through the Natural Heritage Trust to drive climate-smart agriculture practices and sustainable agricultural outcomes, in partnership with industry Investing a record $300 million in the forestry sector that will support the expansion of the plantation estate, modernise our timber manufacturing and increase its role in reducing Australia’s emissions Investing $20 million to implement the National Soil Action Plan Committing over $38 million in ABARES for data and analytic capability to support the sector to face climate change Committing $29 million for the Methane Emissions Reduction in Livestock (MERiL) program and investing $8 million to advance seaweed farming—something that has potential to help reduce livestock emissions as a feed supplement  Committing $20.3 million to the Carbon Farming Outreach program  Joining the global community in its efforts to reduce emissions, including signing the Global Methane Pledge and the Forests and Climate Leaders Partnership Working with States and Territories to develop the first National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture TradeThe Australian-UK FTA came into force, providing massively expanded trade opportunities for Australian producers, exporters, and importers. To improve agricultural trade, Australia has: Gained, improved, and maintained access to 107 markets an increase worth a potential $5.47 billion Delivered market strategies for LSD and FMD safeguarding trade in an outbreak Progressed negotiations for the Australia-EU FTA Built on our trade relationship with India—a potentially huge market—through ratifying the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement Begun restoring trade with China, including recently resuming cotton and timber exports and progressing the removal of barley tariffs Provided $1.6m to progress mandatory country of origin labelling for seafood ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1025/australias-dairytas-embarks-on-farm-business-resilience-pilot-program-with-4m-grant.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/1025/australias-dairytas-embarks-on-farm-business-resilience-pilot-program-with-4m-grant.html Tue, 06 Jun 2023 12:05:00 +0530 Novel program to build on-farm resilience, disaster preparedness and risk management to promote competitive sustainable production at Tasmanian dairy sector Australia's Dairy Tasmania has rolled out a successful farm business resilience pilot program designed to help Tasmanian farmers adapt to a changing climate and prepare for risk management. DairyTas is leading the way to build on-farm resilience, disaster preparedness and risk management to promote competitive sustainable production at Tasmanian dairy sector. Governments have committed over $4 million to the new Tasmanian Farm Business Resilience Program, under the Australian Future Drought Fund. Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Murray Watt said, "We are committed to working collaboratively with government and industry to ensure businesses are equipped for the future. We are pleased to commit federal funding to develop more resilient communities.” Over the next two years, the target is for at least 300 farming businesses to receive subsidised learning opportunities and develop farm business plans. These plans will be tailored to a participant’s own agribusiness, risks, and situation. Tenders are now open for industry groups and service providers to deliver similar farm business resilience plans across all Tasmanian regions. The Program runs until late 2025. Additionally, the Tasmanian Government will support a $450,000 partnership with Dairy Tas to deliver its Our Farm Our Plan framework to 75 dairy farmers. "Developing a climate ready agricultural sector is a priority to unlocking the Rockliff Liberal Government’s target to grow agriculture value to $10 billion by 2050. We know this starts on the farm, supporting farmers, farm managers, and their employees with training and coaching to develop or update their own plans for their own business in their own way. The Tasmanian Farm Business resilience program has been designed with the ethos developed by farmers for farmers" explained Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jo Palmer. The program will give farmers access to workshops and one-to-one support to consider their long-term goals, business management and risks, investment priorities, natural resource management, climate change, succession plans, sustainable irrigation, and farm safety.  ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/978/nifa-triggers-investigative-study-on-asian-longhorned-tick-causing-livestock-diseases.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/978/nifa-triggers-investigative-study-on-asian-longhorned-tick-causing-livestock-diseases.html Wed, 24 May 2023 10:00:00 +0530 Medgene awarded USDA funding to leverage the company's platform technology against tickborne disease targets The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded animal health company Medgene grant funding to study the Asian longhorned tick and its ability to spread diseases in animal livestock. The company will be using its proprietary platform technology to develop and test vaccine approaches to prevent the spread of diseases caused by the tick. Dr. Alan Young, Chief Technology Officer for Medgene, has been researching parasite borne diseases since 2013, studying the effects of tickborne diseases in whitetail deer. "Animal parasites and insects are major disease vectors that have significant impacts on wild animals and livestock. This partnership with USDA-NIFA shows the agency's awareness and dedication to addressing animal health concerns in the United States." Medgene's vaccine approaches leverage a USDA-approved "platform technology" that is safely and easily adapted to multiple animal disease targets. The result is the development of vaccines and an understanding of how diseases move within species and geography within a fraction of the time of traditional vaccine approaches.  Medgene received the award notice from USDA-NIFA in April and will begin field research this summer. The eight-month study will be conducted in conjunction with an independently-operated research facility and supported by an international team of recognized experts in tickborne diseases. Medgene will incorporate the results of this research into its current platform technology-based vaccine portfolio and ultimately apply these findings to other tickborne diseases, such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/962/australia-delivers-first-ever-sustainable-biosecurity-funding-in-the-2023-24-budget.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/962/australia-delivers-first-ever-sustainable-biosecurity-funding-in-the-2023-24-budget.html Fri, 19 May 2023 11:41:52 +0530 More than $1 billion of additional funding has been allocated to biosecurity, including $845 million to support operations across the Australian agriculture Australian agriculture has triggered a new era BY including a Sustainable Biosecurity Funding model, in its 2023-24 Budget and is the first ever model in the nation. More than $1 billion of additional funding has been allocated to biosecurity, including $845 million to support operations across the country, protecting our valuable agriculture sector. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt outlined the key components of the new model, stating that "this Budget delivers new biosecurity funding totalling more than $1 billion over the next four years, with more than $260 million guaranteed every year after that. We will introduce a new cost recovery charge of 40 cents per item on low value ($1000 or less) goods imported into Australia by sea". “From July 1 2024 the costs of these biosecurity clearances will be recovered, to deal with the growing biosecurity risk from incoming parcels and similar items. This fairer system is expected to recover more than $27 million, although it is a small impost on individual items. This is on top of increasing import fees and charges from the 1st of July 2023. This will ensure importers contribute more fairly by meeting the real cost of biosecurity clearance. These increases to fees and charges for importers are expected to contribute an extra $45 million to our biosecurity efforts" Minister Watt added. The Australian government is ensuring that the Importers’ fees will be reviewed and adjusted annually, and the department will work with industry to make sure our charging models are fit for purpose and as part of this, will look at other options including a possible future import or container levy. To help meet the costs of sustainably funding our biosecurity system, the government will introduce a small Biosecurity Protection Levy on agricultural producers starting on 1st July 2024. This will amount to an additional 10% of the existing levies. It would translate to only 50 cents a head for cattle producers and one fifth of a cent per kilogram of apples or 7 cents a tonne of sugarcane. It will mean that producers will contribute 6 per cent of overall funding for the biosecurity system that is so important to their livelihoods, according to Minister Watt, who emphasized that increased funding will result in tangible outcomes. Furthermore, Australia is investing $145 million over three years in a Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing System. Biosecurity funding package to foster the Indigenous Biosecurity Ranger program. This will keep Indigenous rangers on the front lines of biosecurity in Northern Australia, helping to detect exotic weeds, pests and diseases before they establish. ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/956/philippines-invest-p65-3-b-in-agri-fisheries-with-4-new-projects-introduction.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/956/philippines-invest-p65-3-b-in-agri-fisheries-with-4-new-projects-introduction.html Thu, 18 May 2023 11:26:25 +0530 APA, FishCoRe, PRDP and MIADP are the four priority projects securing the grants. Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced an investment of P65.3 B (nearly $12 Billion USD) in agri-fisheries with the launch of 4 upcoming projects in agri-fisheries. Arnel De Mesa, the DA's Assistant Secretary for Operations, presented four new major projects at the event to demonstrate the agency's commitment to transforming agriculture and fishing. In partnership with international funding institutions such as the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization, the recently approved projects include: Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) With a project cost of P2.3 billion, the APA aims at increasing the resilience of agri stakeholders in areas vulnerable to climate change particularly in the Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen regions. Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Project (FishCoRe) The FishCoRe targets to improve management of fishery resources and enhance the value of fisheries production in select Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) covering 24 provinces with P11.422 project cost. Scaled-up Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) The Scale-up PRDP will expand its coverage in 82 provinces nationwide with a total project cost of P45.012 billion to improve the farmers’ and fisherfolk’s access to markets and increase their incomes from agri-fishery value chains. Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) The MIADP will focus on 26 ancestral domains in Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and BARMM to sustainably increase their agricultural productivity, resiliency, and access to markets and services with a project cost of P6.625 billion. At the annual National Farmers' and Fisherfolk's Month (NFFM) celebration on May 15, 2023, the DA also honored the farmers and fisherfolk and their valuable contribution to food security and economic development. Senior Undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture (DA), Domingo Panganiban said, "Expanding investments in food production will create jobs and promote progress in the sector". ]]> https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/911/australia-commits-2m-grants-to-support-indigenous-farm-business.html https://www.agrospectrumasia.com/news/49/911/australia-commits-2m-grants-to-support-indigenous-farm-business.html Wed, 10 May 2023 07:35:00 +0530 The Biosecurity Business Grants are delivered through the Indigenous Rangers Biosecurity Program, through a $3.6 million investment from the Australian Government. The Australian Government is supporting innovative First Nations business opportunities that strengthen biosecurity in Northern Australia with the announcement of four recipients of the Biosecurity Business Grants. Biosecurity in northern Australia underpins development and protects Austalia from the threat of pests and diseases that could devastate our agricultural industries. Nearly $2 million had been committed through the grants to support Indigenous business, economic and employment opportunities delivering biosecurity outcomes in Northern Australia. The Biosecurity Business Grants are delivered through the Indigenous Rangers Biosecurity Program, through a $3.6 million investment from the Australian Government. This is the second round of funding under the Biosecurity Business Grants Program. Five projects were approved for funding under Round 1 in August 2021 totaling over $2.4 million over two years (2021-22 and 2022-23). Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said “These recipients have received some much-needed funding to support their innovative business ideas which will contribute to strengthening the biosecurity system. Supported initiatives include the northern Australia Aboriginal Kakadu Plum Alliance Cooperative Limited establishing an insect monitoring network amongst Aboriginal bushfood producers in the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia, and Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation Pty Ltd leading the co-design and delivery of a community awareness program about biosecurity in the Torres Strait. Northern Territory business Deadly Hair Dude Pty Ltd will establish a horticultural micro-business in the remote community of Gunbalanya, Northern Territory which will support long-term, sustainable employment and build important biosecurity surveillance skills.   And Yagbani Aboriginal Corporation will lead a project to manage climate-change driven pathogen biosecurity threats in the north – using co-designed, hands-on workshops and traditional knowledge to build new skills in early warning surveillance and response. “First Nations people are inseparable from stewardship of country, making them uniquely placed to identify and respond to the exotic pests, weeds and diseases which threaten Australia’s environment and agricultural industries. The Australian Government is committed to backing the capabilities and innovative ideas that empower that partnership” said Minister Murry. ]]>